Calls for Sadiq Khan to Block Southwark Development with “unacceptably low” provision of Social Housing

5 Liberal Democrat Councillors representing Borough and Bankside and St George’s wards have written to Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, formally asking him to exercise his powers to “call-in” the Borough Triangle scheme.  

The development, which will see 892 flats built on the site currently occupied by Mercato Metropolitano, was approved by Southwark’s planning committee last week, despite 415 out of 434 public comments lodging objections.  

The Liberal Democrats had said that whilst the site was right to be developed, its failure to provide enough affordable housing meant that it was unacceptable. 

Residents also hit out at the impact that the 44 storey towers will have on their access to sunlight, as well as surrounding heritage assets such as the Grade 1 listed Southwark Cathedral and Trinity Square. 

The Mayor of London is able to take over planning applications if they meet a number of technical criteria relating to planning law. In their letter, the Liberal Democrats set out where the development breached local and London planning policies, which include failing to provide enough homes for families. 

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Borough and Bankside Councillor Victor Chamberlain said:  

“When Borough Triangle got approved last week, we said that we would keep fighting for affordable housing and standing up for local residents. We meant it. There are over 2800 families in SE1 alone on the social housing waiting list, for fewer than 1 in 5 homes to be available for social rent is simply unacceptable.

There is a version of the development that could deliver genuinely affordable homes we need, whilst protecting heritage sites – but so far Labour have let developers get away with putting profit first.  

That’s why we’re calling on Sadiq Khan to urgently step in to ensure that the development of Borough Triangle genuinely delivers for local communities in Southwark and across London.”