Lambeth sets out housebuilding ambitions

Lambeth council has set out plans to build more than 4,500 homes in the next few years for social and affordable rent and for private sale.

As part of its business plan covering the years 2020 to 2023 the Labour-run local authority in south London said Homes for Lambeth (HfL), its wholly-owned housing development arm, had started to build 80 homes on two estates in the borough and was pushing ahead with plans for hundreds more.

HfL has so far sought the council’s approval to build 1,200 homes and its current business plan would plough £375m into the local economy.

“This major housing investment has added significance in the face of the covid-19 crisis, which is having huge impacts on every aspect of our lives,” the council said.

Lambeth expects to submit planning applications for 153 homes on a number of small sites across Lambeth in 2020-21.

By the end of its three-year plan, a total of 383 new homes will have been completed – to be managed by HfL. Of these, 302 (79%) will be affordable, with 223 new homes for council rent.

HfL said it aimed to have delivered 1,196 homes by the end of year five, of which 649 (54%) will be affordable, with 439 homes for council rent.

Jitinder Takhar, HfL’s chief executive, said: “This three-year business plan shows how we will build on these foundations and demonstrates how we are united in our mission to build thriving communities and better futures for our residents.”

Lambeth has more than 30,000 people on its waiting list for social housing. More than 2,000 families, including 5,000 children, are homeless and housed in temporary accommodation by the council.