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UK: Ealing Council in west London has set a target of over 40 per cent “genuinely affordable” housing in build-to-rent (BTR) developments to qualify for fast-track planning approval.
This target surpasses the 35 per cent threshold set by the mayor’s London Plan.
The west London borough said it would back “good-quality, well-managed” BTR projects in suitable areas, while restricting large-scale co-living schemes, citing a lack of local housing need for such developments.
Under the policy, affordable housing in BTR schemes should be made up of 70 per cent social rent and 30 per cent at or below the Greater London Authority’s London Living Rent.
The fast-track route, introduced in 2017 by London mayor Sadiq Khan, allows qualifying schemes to bypass detailed viability assessments and late-stage viability reviews. Ealing has the third highest number of BTR homes in the capital, with more than 5,000 units.
The council said BTR could make a “significant contribution” to meeting housing demand, but warned that co-living proposals should not reduce the supply of self-contained homes or result in an over-concentration of similar uses.
Coliving schemes would only be considered in Ealing’s metropolitan centre if they meet London Plan and local policies, demonstrate local need, and provide at least 40 per cent affordable housing.
The council’s strategy also supports student accommodation where demand is proven, in suitable locations, and integrated into the local community.
Highlights
- Ealing Council set over 40 per cent affordable housing target for BTR schemes using fast-track planning.
- Requirement exceeds the mayor’s London Plan 35 per cent threshold.
- Affordable housing must be 70 per cent social rent, 30 per cent at or below London Living Rent.
- Ealing has over 5,000 build-to-rent homes, the third highest in London.
