Richmond Council Plans 5,500 Homes, Jobs Boost by 2036 2026

Key Points

• Richmond Council has approved its draft growth plan targeting at least 5,500 new homes, 20 per cent more jobs, and 10 per cent more businesses by 2036.
• The plan aims to attract more investment, workers, and visitors through enhanced homes, workspaces, infrastructure, career progression, higher earnings, and sustainability measures.
• The council’s finance committee approved the draft on Thursday, February 12, 2026, with finalisation by officers planned before a full launch later this year.
• Specific goals align with Richmond’s new Local Plan, adopted in October 2025, including building 5,500 new homes over the next decade, with 500 of these designated as affordable homes.
• The framework supports meeting or exceeding Local Plan targets for housing, workspaces, and business growth.

Richmond upon Thames (South London News) February 14, 2026 – Richmond Council has greenlit an ambitious draft growth plan to deliver at least 5,500 new homes, a 20 per cent increase in jobs, and 10 per cent more businesses by 2036, as reported in initial coverage by MyLondon. The plan, approved by the council’s finance committee on Thursday, sets a strategic framework to boost investment, employment, and visitor numbers while prioritising housing, infrastructure, and sustainability. This move aligns directly with the borough’s Local Plan, adopted last October, which mandates significant housing delivery including affordable units.

What Is the Core of Richmond’s Draft Growth Plan?

The draft growth plan outlines bold targets for the London borough over the next decade, focusing on residential expansion, economic vitality, and improved quality of life. As detailed in MyLondon’s initial reporting, the strategy seeks to construct more homes, workspaces, and infrastructure to accommodate growth. Central to the initiative are efforts to enhance career progression, raise earnings, and embed sustainability across all developments.

The plan’s housing ambitions are particularly noteworthy, aiming to build 5,500 new homes in line with—or exceeding—the targets set in Richmond’s Local Plan, adopted in October 2025. Among these, 500 homes are specified as affordable, addressing local pressures on the housing market. According to the MyLondon article, which broke the story,

“Huge plans have been announced for Richmond to grow with at least 5,500 new homes, 20 per cent more jobs and 10 per cent more businesses over the next decade.”

When and How Was the Plan Approved?

The council’s finance committee formally approved the draft on Thursday, February 12, 2026, marking a pivotal step forward. Following this endorsement, council officers will refine the document before its official launch later in 2026. MyLondon’s coverage emphasises that this approval provides a clear framework for attracting investment, workers, and visitors, with implementation tied to the borough’s broader Local Plan.

No additional media outlets have yet reported divergent timelines, but the consistency across the initial source underscores the plan’s immediate momentum. The process reflects standard council procedure, ensuring stakeholder input before finalisation.

Why Is Richmond Prioritising Housing Growth?

Richmond upon Thames faces ongoing demand for housing amid London’s population pressures, making the 5,500-home target a cornerstone of the growth strategy. The inclusion of 500 affordable homes directly responds to calls for accessible housing, as highlighted in MyLondon’s analysis of the Local Plan alignment. As the article notes, the plan sets out “ambitious targets to achieve this growth over the next decade, including building more homes, workspaces and infrastructure.”

This focus also ties into economic goals, with housing development expected to support job creation and business expansion. By linking residential growth to workspaces, the council aims to foster a balanced community where residents can live and work locally.

How Will Jobs and Businesses Expand Under the Plan?

A 20 per cent rise in jobs and 10 per cent increase in businesses form key pillars, driven by new workspaces and investment incentives. The MyLondon report states that Richmond Council “has approved its draft growth plan, which sets out a framework to attract more investment, workers and visitors by 2036.” Improving career progression and earnings is explicitly central, alongside sustainability measures to ensure long-term viability.

These targets build on the Local Plan’s foundations, promoting sectors that leverage Richmond’s appeal as a desirable borough with green spaces and strong connectivity. No conflicting reports from other sources have emerged, reinforcing the plan’s cohesive vision.

What Role Does Sustainability Play in the Strategy?

Sustainability is woven throughout the draft, influencing housing, workspaces, and infrastructure. MyLondon’s coverage positions it as a core element, with the plan aiming to grow jobs and businesses responsibly. This includes eco-friendly building standards and green infrastructure to mitigate environmental impacts.

The emphasis aligns with national and regional priorities for net-zero goals, ensuring Richmond’s expansion supports broader climate objectives. As per the source, “Improving career progression, earnings and sustainability are also central to the plan.”

Which Specific Targets Align with the Local Plan?

The growth plan dovetails with Richmond’s Local Plan, adopted in October 2025, which mandates 5,500 new homes over the decade—including the 500 affordable units. MyLondon clarifies that the draft seeks to “meet or exceed targets in Richmond’s new Local Plan,” covering housing, jobs, and business growth. This integration ensures statutory compliance while allowing flexibility for ambitious delivery.

Infrastructure enhancements, such as transport and public services, will underpin these goals, preventing strain on existing resources.

Who Approved the Plan and What Happens Next?

Richmond Council’s finance committee gave the nod on February 12, 2026, as exclusively reported by MyLondon. Officers will now finalise the draft ahead of its launch later this year, opening doors for public consultation and investment pitches. The article attributes the decision directly to the committee, noting its role in fiscal oversight.

This phased approach allows for refinements based on feedback, maintaining transparency in a borough known for active community engagement.

How Does This Impact Local Residents and Workers?

For residents, the plan promises more housing options, including affordable ones, potentially easing rental and purchase pressures. Workers stand to benefit from 20 per cent more jobs, with a focus on progression and better pay, as outlined in MyLondon’s breakdown. Businesses, meanwhile, gain from a 10 per cent expansion, supported by targeted infrastructure.

Sustainability measures could enhance living standards, preserving Richmond’s green credentials amid growth. The strategy’s holistic scope aims to create a thriving, inclusive borough.

What Challenges Might Richmond Face in Delivery?

Delivering 5,500 homes requires navigating planning hurdles, land availability, and funding streams—issues inherent to London’s constrained landscape. MyLondon’s reporting implicitly acknowledges these by tying goals to the Local Plan, which has already set precedents. Affordable housing quotas, at 500 units, may spark debates over density and design in a conservation-minded area.

Economic targets hinge on external investment, potentially vulnerable to market shifts. Nonetheless, the council’s framework positions Richmond proactively.

Why Is This Plan Significant for London’s Growth?

Richmond’s ambitions reflect wider London trends, where boroughs balance expansion with liveability. By 2036, the plan could transform the area into a hub for sustainable employment and housing, as per MyLondon’s framing. It supports the capital’s mayoral strategies for growth, jobs, and net-zero transitions.

As one of London’s leafier boroughs, Richmond’s model may influence neighbouring authorities facing similar demands.

Broader Context: Richmond Council’s Vision

Richmond Council positions this as a decade-defining blueprint, per the initial MyLondon coverage. The finance committee’s approval signals strong internal backing, with the Local Plan providing legal heft. Quotes from council documents, as relayed, underscore commitment: the plan “sets out ambitious targets” across multiple fronts.

No statements from named councillors appear in the source material, but the collective council voice drives the narrative.