A COUNCILLOR has asked Wokingham Borough Council to support a target of 50% social and affordable housing on new developments.
At a council meeting on Thursday, September 22, Cllr Laura Blumenthal, Conservative councillor for South Lake, asked: “When Cllr John Kaiser held the housing portfolio, he was exploring with officers to increase the percentage of social and affordable housing to 50% on all new sites.
“Please can you share if you agree that this is a good idea to help tackle the housing crisis for those on lower income and will you be supporting this target yourself?”
Cllr Stephen Conway, deputy leader executive member for housing, said he “greatly admired” the efforts of Cllr Kaiser and acknowledged the target makes sense, given demand in the borough.
He added: “Whether we can achieve 50% or some percentage higher than the current 35% on major strategic development locations (SDL) will depend on whether the viability of development at such a percentage can be demonstrated to the local plan inspector.”
Cllr Blumenthal then asked if the council would maintain its commitment to delivering an additional 1,000 affordable homes in the next five years.
Cllr Conway said: “Most certainly my intention is to maintain momentum.
“In fact, if it’s possible, I would like to increase the pace.”
