The number has dropped from 462 to 337.
Over 100 affordable housing units have been lost in Croydon after renegotiations, show figures from the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (BIJ).
The number of original affordable housing units was 462, but after negotiations this decreased to 337.
Recommendations have been made from the cabinet to the council for a five-year housing plan and to have a fund in place to ensure stalled developments go ahead, meaning affordable housing should be built effectively.
Plans are in place and 9,500 homes are to be built in Croydon over the next five years, with a third being affordable.
Councillor Dudley Mead, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Croydon is a very competitive location with average house prices much lower than elsewhere and more than half that of inner London.
“It is one of the few remaining areas in London where developers can build houses that first time buyers can reasonably afford.”
Lizzie Clifford, London External Affairs Manager at the National Housing Federation, said renegotiations of these planning agreements are preventing affordable homes being built where they are needed most.
“This is a worrying trend in London. If developers don’t meet their affordable housing obligations we could see a host of new developments that don’t meet the needs of the whole community,” she said.
“Councils must scrutinise developers’ attempts to renegotiate thoroughly as there is little evidence that affordable housing requirements are genuinely holding back developments in all cases.”
Half of London’s largest developments are not meeting the affordable housing targets being set by local authorities further shows the BIJ figures.
Steve Turner, a spokesman for Home Builders’ Federation, said: “Local authorities need to be realistic with what they can provide and need to prioritise what they can.”
The council has more than 9,000 households on its housing register and along with the affordable housing in place they are setting up a housing investment fund.
Photo courtesy of Jordon, with thanks.
Follow us @SW_Londoner
