Merton Council Greenlights Housing Development Without Any Affordable Units

Breaking: Merton Council Approves 626‑Home Mitch ­Gasworks Project With No Affordable Units

Affordable housing has been stripped from the largest new residential scheme in Mitcham after Merton Council signed off the mitcham Gasworks redevelopment last month. The decision has sparked outrage among local advocates.

key Details of the Controversial Approval

Aspect	Information
Development	Mitcham Gasworks
Location	south‑west London, Borough of Merton
Total Units	626 homes
Originally Promised Affordable Share	35 %
Final Affordable Share	0 %
Reason Cited by Developer	Lack of grant funding

What Went Wrong?

St William, the development’s main contractor, argued that the 35 % affordable‑housing target could no longer be met as the necessary grant support never materialised. Council members described the outcome as “regrettable,” noting a pressing need for affordable homes on the borough’s eastern side.

Community reaction

Tony Burton, secretary of the Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage society, condemned the decision: “It is unconscionable that the largest new housing development in Mitcham for a generation should provide no affordable homes.”

Did you Know? The UK’s National Planning Policy framework sets a minimum of 30 % affordable housing for new developments, but local funding shortfalls frequently force compromises.
Source: UK Government

Pro Tip: Residents can submit formal objections during the 21‑day statutory consultation period and attend council planning committee meetings to voice concerns about affordability clauses.

Evergreen Insight: The Bigger Picture of Affordable Housing

London’s affordable‑housing deficit has widened as land prices soar and grant programmes lag behind demand. According to the national Housing Federation, more than 800,000 households are on waiting lists across the capital. Planners and developers must balance market pressures with social obligations, and transparent funding mechanisms are essential to keep affordable quotas intact.

Local authorities can explore option financing, such as community‑interest developers or public‑private partnerships, to safeguard affordable units when central grants fall short.

Reader Engagement

What are your thoughts on the removal of affordable housing from this project?
Do you believe community groups can influence future planning decisions?

Long‑Term Strategies for Securing Affordable Housing

1. Leverage Section 106 Agreements: Councils can require developers to contribute directly to local affordable‑housing funds.

2. Adopt Inclusionary zoning: Mandating a fixed affordable‑housing ratio on all new builds helps maintain a steady supply.

3. Promote Mixed‑Tenure Models: Combining market‑rate and affordable units within the same block encourages social integration and reduces stigma.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is affordable housing? Affordable housing refers to homes priced at a level that households earning up to 80 % of the median income can afford without spending more than 30 % of their earnings on rent or mortgage.
• Why was the affordable‑housing target removed? The developer, St William, said the promised 35 % could not be delivered because grant funding was unavailable.
• Can the council reinstate affordable units? The council could renegotiate with the developer or seek alternative funding, but any changes would require a formal planning amendment.
• How does this decision affect local housing needs? Removing affordable homes from a 626‑unit project reduces the supply for lower‑income families in an area already facing a shortage.
• Where can residents voice concerns? Residents may submit comments during the statutory consultation period and attend Merton Council planning meetings.
• what policies guide affordable‑housing requirements? The National Planning Policy Framework and local plan policies set minimum affordable‑housing percentages for new developments.
• How can I stay informed about future developments? Subscribe to council newsletters, follow local planning portals, and join community groups such as the Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage.

Share your views in the comments below and help shape the conversation around affordable housing in London.