Southwark Labour has today strongly opposed the approval of British Land’s development at Canada Water as “unacceptable”, with ward councillors attending a hearing to make sure residents’ voices were heard.
Councillors approved the original £4 billion Canada Water Masterplan in 2020, which would have provided 25% social rent homes and 10% intermediate – meaning 35% affordable homes overall.
However an amended proposal from developer British Land, in consultation with City Hall, has seen plans approved at just 9% affordable housing.
After speaking at a hearing in City Hall, Cllrs Stephanie Cryan and Bethan Roberts, local Labour councillors for Rotherhithe, said:
“We are extremely disappointed with today’s decision. The reduction in affordable housing is unacceptable. The biggest public benefit from regeneration is social housing. The profits of developers and overseas pension companies should never be put above the needs of our local communities.”
Cllr Helen Dennis, Southwark Labour spokesperson for New Homes & Sustainable Development, said:
“I am immensely disappointed by the number of affordable homes now being brought forward in Canada Water. I have been clear in my position that I do not support the amended British Land application as it does not meet Southwark’s housing needs.
Additional funding from the GLA does now mean that the next phase will deliver 17% of homes at social rent and Southwark Labour will do everything in our power to maximise affordable housing should the economic situation improve.”
