The Mayor of London, , today approved a new
development in Notting Hill after intervening to increase the
number of social rented and other genuinely affordable
homes, in his latest effort to use the planning system to tackle
London’s housing crisis.
The application to redevelop Newcombe House in the Royal Borough
of Kensington and Chelsea was refused by the local council in
March, before the Mayor took over the application later that
month. The borough has consistently failed to meet
targets for new and affordable homes; last year no
affordable homes were given planning permission by the council.
Through his takeover, Sadiq has secured amendments to the plans
that increase the level of affordable housing from 17 to 35
per cent. Two-thirds of these homes are now at social
rent levels, with the remaining capped below London Living Rent
levels.
The development will also include a medical centre, step-free
access to the nearby Notting Hill Gate underground station and a
new public square with permanent pedestrian and cycle access.
The Mayor of London, , said: “Since
taking office, I’ve been clear I will use all the levers at my
disposal to increase the supply of council, social rented, and
other genuinely affordable homes that Londoners need across
the capital.
“Having considering all the evidence available to me – and
following hard work by my planning team to increase the level of
affordable housing – I have decided to grant permission for this
development.
“What’s more, the development will also include important new
step-free access to Notting Hill Gate station – a major
improvement benefitting local residents and visitors coming to
enjoy this vibrant and exciting part of the capital.
“London’s housing crisis won’t be solved overnight – but I hope
this will send a clear message that I expect developments
to include more genuinely affordable housing and other
benefits for local people."
ENDS
- The Mayor may take over (or ‘call in’) planning applications
under article 7 of the Mayor
of London Order and the powers conferred
by Section 2A of the 1990
Town and Country Planning Act.
- The Mayor’s planning team have worked with the developer to
increase the total number of homes from 46 to 55, and in so doing
enable an increase in the level of affordable housing to 35 per
cent or 23 homes – an 18 per cent increase from the previous
version of the plans.
- Kensington and Chelsea has consistently failed to meet
targets for new and affordable homes. Last year no affordable
homes were given planning permission by the Council. From 2013-14
to 2016-17, the borough delivered just 332 affordable homes – 34
per cent of the target of 986.
