The London borough of Kensington and Chelsea has some of the most expensive properties in the UK but a new development of affordable homes has been approved.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has taken over the Notting Hill Gate scheme and doubled the amount of affordable housing being built to 35%.
Under the new plans some two thirds of new affordable homes will be available at social rent levels, others capped below the London Living Rent level.
The application to redevelop Newcombe House in 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. Khan pointed out that last year no affordable homes were given planning permission by the council.
Through his takeover, the Mayor has secured amendments to the plans that increase the level of affordable housing from 17 to 35%.
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.
‘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,’ said Khan.
‘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,’ he explained.
‘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,’ he pointed out.
‘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,’ he added.
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