Mayor boosts social rented homes in Kensington and Chelsea scheme

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, today approved a new development in Notting Hill after intervening to increase the number of social rented and other genuinely affordable homes.The application to redevelop Newcombe House in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea was refused by the local council in March, before the Mayor took over the application later that month. The borough has consistently failed to meet targets for new and affordable homes; last year no affordable homes were given planning permission by the council.Through his takeover, Sadiq has secured amendments to the plans that increase the level of affordable housing from 17 to 35 per cent. Two-thirds of these homes are now at social rent levels, with the remaining capped below London Living Rent levels.The development will also include a medical centre, step-free access to the nearby Notting Hill Gate underground station and a new public square with permanent pedestrian and cycle access.