Lambeth Council Wins Planning Powers for Brixton Housing and Commercial Projects

The Planning and Local Decision Making Bill received royal assent on 5 July 2026. It transfers responsibility for approving developments under 500 homes from the secretary of state to local authorities. Brixton falls under Lambeth Council, which will now handle these applications directly.

This change comes after years of centralised oversight that slowed projects in high growth areas. Parliament passed the measure to speed up housing delivery across England. National figures show 120,000 planning decisions delayed in the past year due to the previous system.

Effects on Brixton Neighbourhoods

Residents in Brixton can expect decisions on projects near Brixton Market and the railway station to move faster. For example, a proposal for 200 new flats on Coldharbour Lane would now be reviewed by Lambeth planners within 13 weeks. Previously the average wait exceeded six months. Local services such as schools and GP surgeries could see earlier input from community groups during the application stage.

Jobs in construction could benefit from quicker starts. The Productivity Commission has found that delays cost the sector £3 billion nationally each year. Brixton builders working on local sites may see contracts begin three months earlier than under the old rules.

The legislation states that councils must publish quarterly reports on decision times. Lambeth projects an increase in approved units from 850 last year to 1,200 in 2027. This figure aligns with targets set for comparable boroughs in Manchester and Sheffield.

Comparison with Other Areas

Under the policy Brixton stands in line with Birmingham, where the city council has held these powers since 2024. Leeds reported a 22 per cent rise in housing completions after its switch. Lambeth's budget paper for 2026-27 allocates an extra £1.8 million for additional planning staff to manage the workload.

Implementation begins on 1 September 2026. The government says the policy will reduce central backlogs by 40 per cent within two years. Local advocates note that Brixton residents should monitor the first reports due in December for signs of change in their area.