Westminster hotel developers may have to provide affordable homes

Westminster City Council could require developers of new hotels in the area to include the provision of affordable housing in some way.

That is according to Property Week, which reports the policy is under consideration for inclusion in the council's new city plan, expected this autumn. Adoption of the plan is expected to take place in late 2019.

The council has a housing target that at least 30% of new homes are affordable, with no obligation currently placed on hotel developments. However, the council has been taking a tougher approach recently following its pledge to create 1,850 affordable homes by 2023.

"If you want to build in Westminster, affordable housing is a priority," said council cabinet member for planning and public realm Daniel Astaire last year.

Approved proposals last year to transform Westminster's historic War Office in Westminster into a luxury Raffles hotel included the creation of 88 new flats as well as a £10m donation to the affordable housing fund. Plans for the Peninsula London hotel also included 23 "intermediate affordable homes" on Buckingham Palace Road.

A Westminster City Council spokesman said: "Creating affordable housing is our top priority and we've considered a range of measures to ensure we can achieve this. We'll be launching our new city plan consultation next month."

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