Wandsworth Local Plan Boosts Social Housing to 70% 2026

Key Points

• Wandsworth Council has updated its Local Plan following approval by an independent Planning Inspector as sound and legally compliant.​
• At least 70% of all new affordable homes must now be social rent, increased from the previous 50% requirement, based on evidence of local needs.
• Small housing developments of fewer than 10 units will contribute £50,000 per dwelling towards affordable housing for the first time.
• Stronger requirements imposed on Build-to-Rent, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), and co-living schemes to provide meaningful contributions to affordable housing.
• A new Housing Needs Assessment identifies a requirement for up to 23,600 additional affordable homes by 2038, with two-thirds needed as social rent; around 11,000 households currently on waiting lists.
• The updated Plan was presented to Full Council on 4 March 2026 for adoption and will guide future planning applications.
• Aydin Dikerdem, Cabinet Member for Housing, stated the changes ensure private developments deliver more social housing for locals.
• Previous controversies included abandoned 45% affordable housing proposals, objections from Mayor Sadiq Khan in 2025 over non-conformity with London Plan, and criticisms from developers on viability.​
• The Local Plan sets a vision for development from 2023 to 2038, focusing on affordable housing, jobs, and green spaces.​

Wandsworth (South London News) March 6, 2026 – Wandsworth Council has taken a significant step in addressing the borough’s housing crisis by updating its Local Plan, which mandates higher proportions of social rent homes and new financial contributions from small developments, following endorsement by an independent Planning Inspector. The changes, recommended for adoption at Full Council today, aim to deliver more genuinely affordable housing amid pressing local demand. This update responds directly to evidence showing a dire need for social rented accommodation in the borough.

What Changes Does the Updated Local Plan Introduce?

The updated Local Plan introduces targeted modifications to boost affordable housing delivery. As detailed in the council’s announcement, at least 70 per cent of all new affordable homes will now be social rent, up from the current 50 per cent requirement, reflecting clear evidence that this tenure is most needed in Wandsworth.

Small housing developments of fewer than 10 units will, for the first time, be required to contribute financially, paying £50,000 per dwelling towards affordable housing. Additionally, stronger obligations apply to Build-to-Rent, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), and co-living developments to ensure they make fair contributions to genuinely affordable homes.

These policies were confirmed sound and legally compliant by the independent Planning Inspector, supporting the borough’s housing strategy.

Why Was the Social Rent Requirement Increased to 70%?

The increase to 70 per cent social rent stems from robust local evidence. According to the council’s new Housing Needs Assessment, Wandsworth requires up to 23,600 additional affordable homes by 2038, with two-thirds – approximately 15,733 units – needed as social rent.

Around 11,000 households are currently on the council’s housing waiting lists, underscoring the urgency. As reported by Mike Lightfoot of UK Property Forums, the updated Plan

“directly responds to this evidence, ensuring future development meets the real and pressing needs of local people.”

The shift places Wandsworth among London’s most ambitious boroughs for affordability, as stated in council communications.

What Is Aydin Dikerdem’s View on These Updates?

Aydin Dikerdem, Cabinet Member for Housing, welcomed the changes emphatically. As quoted in Wandsworth Borough Council’s official news release, he said:

“We’re an ambitious progressive council, and we want to ensure private sites in Wandsworth deliver the social housing local people need. Thanks to this decision, when a scheme comes through our planning process, we will fight for as much affordable housing as we can get, which will help those residents on our housing list. We will have more public good coming out of developments in our borough because of these changes – and that’s what this council set out to do.”

Dikerdem emphasised that these updates ensure private development delivers greater public benefit. His comments were echoed across reports, highlighting the council’s commitment to residents.

What Is the Timeline for Adoption and Implementation?

The updated Local Plan was presented to Full Council on 4 March 2026 with a recommendation for adoption. Once adopted, it will be used to assess all future planning applications received by the council.

This follows the Planning Inspector’s recent ruling that the changes are sound. The Plan’s vision spans from 2023 to 2038, guiding spatial strategy, policies, and site-specific developments.

How Does This Fit into Wandsworth’s Broader Housing Strategy?

Wandsworth’s Local Plan formalises collaboration with developers to prioritise affordable housing. Earlier updates, such as the 2024 approval of a 50% affordable housing requirement on new schemes – with a majority as council housing – laid groundwork, as noted in council announcements.

The Plan targets growth in town centres like Wandsworth, Clapham Junction, Putney, Tooting, and Balham, plus Nine Elms and Roehampton, to provide homes, jobs, and services. It also protects green and blue infrastructure, play areas, and sports facilities under Policy LP54.​

The 2025 Growth Plan complements this, promoting inclusive growth, placemaking, and people-first approaches to deliver thousands of affordable homes.​

What Past Controversies Surround Wandsworth’s Affordable Housing Policies?

The council’s approach has not been without challenge. As reported in Wandsworth SW18, earlier proposals for 45% affordable housing in private developments – above the London Plan’s 35% benchmark – were abandoned following objections.​

In 2025, Mayor Sadiq Khan formally objected, stating the policies were “not in general conformity” with the London Plan and risked slowing housing delivery. Housing commentators labelled the draft “regressive” and “self-defeating,” warning of developer deterrence.​

Developer groups highlighted viability concerns with high social rent mandates, potentially reducing overall homes built. No formal objections followed the latest revisions post-Inspector approval.​

What Do Critics Say About the Potential Impact on Development?

Critics, including planning specialists, have cautioned that rigid targets could affect scheme viability and slow delivery. The earlier reduction to 35% on larger sites addressed London Plan alignment, per 4D Planning’s analysis.

Despite this, the council maintains the changes boost public good without halting progress. Wandsworth SW18 noted the balance between ambition and deliverability remains key to avoiding past conflicts.

How Will This Affect Small Developments and Specialist Housing?

Small schemes under 10 units now face a £50,000 per dwelling levy, a novel measure to fund affordable housing. Specialist sectors like Build-to-Rent, PBSA, and co-living must enhance contributions, ensuring broader impact.

As per UK Property Forums, these steps make Wandsworth proactive in affordability protection.​

What Is the Local Plan’s Vision for the Borough Until 2038?

The Local Plan outlines a spatial strategy for 2023-2038, with objectives for housing, employment, and services. It influences development to enhance green corridors, protect open spaces, and promote healthy lifestyles.

Area strategies distribute growth across key locations, fostering equitable communities.