Policy information sourced from Lambeth Local Plan 2020-2035

H2: Delivering affordable housing

The council will seek to maximise delivery of affordable housing in accordance with London Plan policy and the following borough-wide approach:

  • Residential developments and mixed-use developments that include residential should provide affordable housing through the threshold approach set out in London Plan policy H5.
  • Applications proposing more than 25 units (gross) must provide all affordable housing on site to be eligible for the Fast Track Route. Where it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the council that this is not feasible, or that it would be more effective in meeting needs for affordable housing, off-site affordable accommodation provided by the developer may be accepted. Exceptionally, a payment in lieu may be accepted. Schemes of more than 25 units (gross) that propose off-site affordable housing or a payment in lieu must follow the Viability Tested Route.
  • Applications proposing between 10 and 25 units (gross) may follow the Fast Track Route where they meet the relevant threshold level of affordable housing off-site or as an in lieu payment.
  • 70 per cent of new affordable housing units should be low cost rented homes allocated according to need in line with the council’s allocation scheme and for Londoners on low incomes (Social Rent/London Affordable Rent) and 30 per cent should be intermediate products, including London Living Rent and London Shared Ownership, in accordance with the principles set out in the council’s Tenancy Strategy. Where affordable homes are provided above the required threshold level, the tenure of these homes can be flexible provided they are genuinely affordable (as defined in London Plan policy H6).
  • Review mechanisms will be required in accordance with the approach set out in the London Plan and associated Supplementary Planning Guidance, and the Lambeth Development Viability SPD 2017.

Affordable housing should comply with the preferred dwelling size mix set out in Local Plan policy H4 and should meet the full range of housing needs, particularly those of low income households within the borough.

The affordable housing should be equivalent in siting, appearance and layout to the rest of the development. Proposals will be required to demonstrate that the integration of different tenures has been considered from the outset of the design process.

For more information please see the Local Plan