In a significant shift for one of London's most ambitious regeneration projects, plans have been unveiled to build more than 200 council homes at Battersea Power Station. This move aims to address previous controversy over the lack of affordable housing at the landmark site.
A New Partnership for Affordable Homes
Wandsworth Council and the Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC) have announced a new partnership to construct 203 homes on a currently undeveloped plot. These homes are designated as council properties, to be let at social rent levels for local families.
This collaboration marks a turning point. The Labour-run council had previously fiercely criticised the £9 billion regeneration, which was approved under previous Tory control, for its low level of affordable housing. Initially, only 386 affordable homes were agreed upon, representing just nine per cent of the roughly 4,000 homes planned for the entire 42-acre site.
The discontent was so pronounced that Labour councillors declined an invitation to the opening of the restored Grade II* listed power station in 2022, applying continued pressure on the developer for a better deal.
Boosting the Affordable Housing Quota
The proposed 203 new council homes would be in addition to the existing commitment, potentially increasing the overall proportion of affordable housing across the development to 15 per cent. This is contingent on the scheme receiving the necessary planning permission and funding.
The homes will form part of the fifth phase of the eight-phase regeneration project. A detailed planning application is expected to be submitted to Wandsworth Council early next year, with funding also being sought from the Greater London Authority (GLA).
So far, the regeneration has delivered over 2,200 homes, including the initial 386 affordable units at New Mansion Square developed with Peabody.
Tackling the Housing Crisis
Wandsworth Council has described the plan as a major step towards tackling the local housing crisis and creating more mixed, sustainable communities. The 203 homes will contribute to the authority's Homes for Wandsworth scheme, which has an ambitious target of delivering 1,000 new council homes across the borough by 2029.
Labour Council Leader Simon Hogg stated, "We're determined to deliver the genuinely affordable homes that Wandsworth people need, and this strong partnership gives us a real opportunity to do that right at the heart of one of London's most recognisable landmarks." He emphasised that these will be high-quality homes at social rent, a key part of the mission to make Wandsworth a fairer borough.
Sam Cotton, interim CEO of BPSDC, expressed delight at working with the council, confirming the developer's dedication to shaping a place that "brings people and ideas together." Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also voiced his support, stating he is "extremely proud" to help bring the first council homes to the site through GLA grant funding and reaffirming his commitment to tackling London's housing crisis.
