Ladywell Playtower: step on-site (just for one day)
Mark Morris attended Ladywell Old Baths community open day on 4th October and found some unexpected sights.
Housing
Deputy mayor says skills crisis is primary factor for London’s housebuilding failures
Tom Copley, deputy mayor for housing, said that a shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry is undermining London’s ambitious housebuilding targets. Housing association L&Q said that it relied on a single roofing contractor to cover 80,000 homes last year.
Mayor needs more fiscal powers to avoid “ugly” decisions on taxing Londoners
Ministers are under increasing pressure to give Sadiq Khan powers to impose a tourism levy, to raise money for infrastructure projects such as the Bakerloo Line extension.
Ladywell Playtower: Council welcomes CLT and non-profit bids this time around
About 200 residents attended Thursday's meeting, which they hope will be the start of deeper engagement with Lewisham council. Councillor James-J Walsh outlined project timescales and explained how the council aims to avoid the pitfalls encountered last time.
Private sector developers say 35% affordable housing a "major barrier" to building homes
A report from private sector developers argues that the London mayor must slash affordable housing requirements and release swathes of green belt land to solve the housing crisis.
Canada Water: Developer requests reduction in affordable housing from 35% to 10%
British Land is developing the vast 53-acre site to become London's first new town centre in 50 years. However, there are concerns that local people are being priced out.
Deputy mayor slams Building Safety Regulator and ex-housing secretary Michael Gove for London's poor record on affordable homes starts
Tom Copley, the deputy mayor for Housing, said he is still confident that London can meet its affordable homes target, despite worrying early figures. Salamander looks at Lewisham's record on social housing and affordable housing starts since 2021.