Westminster hits back at affordable housing criticisms

Westminster City Council has hit back after criticisms it failed to properly defend its affordable housing policy. The council has refuted Labour’s allegations that it was unprepared for the planning inspector’s examination of its new City Plan. Last year, in response to the planning inspector’s recommendations, the council agreed it will no longer seek accompanying onsite residential development or payments towards the affordable housing fund. Westminster City Council’s Labour group has slammed the councils for the omission, which the group argues will cost “tens of millions of pounds in contributions”. In response, Matthew Green, the council’s cabinet member for business, licensing and planning, said: “A comprehensive viability assessment to support the policy was prepared by an independent consultant and presented to the inspectors along with further evidence setting out the important link between affordable housing and the success of commercial businesses. “We remain disappointed that the inspectors rejected the proposed policy. However, we have reluctantly accepted this feedback and will amend our draft plan accordingly, in order for the plan to be found sound and adopted.” Green said the policy was rejected by the planning inspectors “in spite of the powerful arguments made”. He added: “Even without the proposed policy, our new City Plan will deliver significantly more affordable housing than the existing plan. The change will also not prevent the council from reaching its ambitious housing targets.” Westminster is on track to deliver 1,850 affordable homes by 2023. The council is currently consulting on the modifications to the plan and will formally adopt the policy framework later this year. To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @estatesgazette Photo © Andy Drysdale/Shutterstock