Liberal Democrats call for “ambition and leadership” on housing from London Mayor

Southwark Liberal Democrats have formally responded to the consultation on the new London Plan, calling for a range of measures to improve the city, but specifically call for action to boost genuinely affordable housing, which they say “collapsed” under Labour.  

This comes as a number of developments have come under attack for lack of social housing – Borough Triangle, approved in March, had only 17% social housing, Canada Water reportedly may drop to just 10% affordable housing, and the Aylesham redevelopment’s provision has been slashed to 12%.  

The Liberal Democrats have called for tougher action to hold developers to account, and stricter requirements on how much social housing should be built on public land.  

Elsewhere in their consultation response, they address Southwark’s experience with botched estate regeneration projects, the speed and scale of student accommodation development, climate action, and how to design out crime.  

Other interventions include making Bankside a UNESCO world heritage site, adjusting the central activities zone in Bermondsey, public toilets, and leading on high standards of play spaces. 

Commenting, Cllr Victor Chamberlain said:  

“Southwark’s housing emergency is escalating faster than ever, and it’s clear that our Labour politicians both here and in London City Hall are not capable of dealing with the problem. That’s why the Liberal Democrats are putting forward credible solutions to tackle the housing crisis, and making our borough a safer, greener place to live.”