Politics

Hackney Mayor Revises Affordable Housing Targets in Local Plan Update for Borough Developments

The revised targets require 35 percent affordable units on sites above 10 homes, which applies to planning decisions starting this autumn and covers new builds across Hackney wards.

By Hackney Policy Desk · Published 9 July 2026

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The Mayor of Hackney has issued an update to the borough's Local Plan that raises the minimum share of affordable housing required in new residential developments. The change applies to all planning applications lodged after 1 September 2026 and covers both private and council-led schemes.

Housing delivery in Hackney has been shaped by the 2021 Local Plan and subsequent national planning reforms. The latest adjustment responds to updated population projections and the need to meet London-wide housing targets set by the Greater London Authority.

Effects on daily housing access

Residents seeking council or housing association tenancies will see more units reserved at social or London affordable rent levels in schemes such as those planned near Hackney Central station. Families on the housing register may face shorter waits for two- and three-bedroom properties once the new quota is enforced in approved projects. Leaseholders in existing blocks near proposed sites could encounter construction activity tied to the larger affordable component.

Local advocates note that the policy directs developers to provide the affordable portion on-site rather than through off-site payments in most cases. This requirement is expected to increase the supply of homes priced below market rates within the same postcode areas where residents already live and work.

Next steps in implementation

The council will publish revised guidance notes for applicants by the end of July. Officers will apply the new targets during pre-application meetings and committee decisions from September onward. The government says the policy will be reviewed after 18 months using data from completed schemes and waiting-list statistics held by the housing department.

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