Free land for those who will build social homes on it. Is this the radical solution to the UK’s housing problem? | Phineas Harper

A bold south London initiative to give land to community groups rather than private developers could transform the system

Lewisham council, in southeast London, is developing ambitious plans to transfer public land to community groups in an attempt to get new social housing built in the borough. According to papers tabled at Wednesday’s council cabinet meeting, the local authority is devising a new housing strategy, which includes giving packages of public land worth up to £2m each to community-led organisations such as housing co-operatives, on the condition that they build social housing.

The Green-controlled council is further considering placing any land it gives away through the programme into community land trusts, legal instruments that lock in permanent affordability. They may also provide low-interest loans to help developments get started, and pre-approve planning permission to speed up construction. It is hoped that the proposals will take effect within a year. Together, they form the most radical suite of solutions to the housing crisis any local authority is currently putting forward. If adopted elsewhere, the approach could transform the construction of social housing not just in Lewisham, but across the entire country.

Phineas Harper is a writer and curator

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