Battersea Power Station council homes approved
Wandsworth Council has approved the construction of 203 council homes on the Battersea Power Station site, a move that will provide affordable housing to thousands on the borough’s waiting list. The development, slated for completion in 2029, is part of a larger £9bn regeneration effort that has al…
Wandsworth Council has formally approved the construction of 203 council homes on an undeveloped plot at the iconic Battersea Power Station site. The decision, announced in late 2023, is a key milestone in the £9 billion regeneration of the 42‑acre waterfront area and is expected to provide much‑needed affordable housing for residents on the borough’s waiting list.
Background of the Battersea Power Station Regeneration
The Battersea Power Station redevelopment has been a long‑term vision for London’s South West, involving a partnership between the council, the Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC) and the Greater London Authority (GLA). The project aims to transform the former coal‑fired power plant into a mixed‑use precinct with residential, commercial and cultural spaces. Since the first master plan was approved under a Conservative administration, the site has seen a series of negotiations and revisions, particularly around the proportion of affordable homes to be built.
When Labour took control of Wandsworth Council in 2022, it challenged the original master plan, arguing that the 386 affordable homes—roughly nine percent of the 4,000‑unit scheme—were insufficient. The new administration pledged to increase the affordable housing stock, a promise that was fulfilled with the recent approval of 203 council homes.
Details of the New Council Homes
The 203 homes will be built on a long‑term lease held by the council on land owned by BPSDC. The development will feature a multi‑storey block, reaching up to 18 floors, and will include communal gardens and a roof garden to enhance residents’ quality of life. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the homes expected to be occupied by 2029.
These new properties will be offered to individuals and families on Wandsworth’s waiting list, which, as of March 2024, included 11,183 households—3,771 of them homeless. By adding these homes, the council moves closer to its target of providing 15 percent affordable housing across the regeneration, a figure that already includes the 386 units built at New Mansion Square in partnership with Peabody.
Political and Community Reactions
Conservative council leader Robert Morritt welcomed the decision, stating that it "kick‑starts an exciting time for Wandsworth as we move at pace to deliver more high‑quality homes for rent or sale across our borough." He emphasized the partnership with BPSDC as a model for responsible growth.
Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development Tom Copley echoed this sentiment, highlighting the project’s role in building a "fairer, more prosperous London for everyone." CEO James Saunders of BPSDC added that the homes represent "another important milestone in the delivery of our vision for Battersea Power Station," and noted that construction on Electric Boulevard—a pedestrianised high street—would soon commence.
Future Phases and Ongoing Development
The council homes are part of phase five of the regeneration, which is divided into eight phases overall. To date, the project has delivered more than 2,200 homes, including the 386 affordable units at New Mansion Square. Future phases will introduce new cultural attractions, additional residential units, and expanded workplace opportunities, further solidifying Battersea’s role as a vibrant urban hub.
With the council’s approval, the project now has full planning permission, ensuring that the development will proceed as scheduled. The collaboration between Wandsworth Council, BPSDC, and the GLA demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing housing shortages while revitalising one of London’s most historic sites.
As construction moves forward, the community will watch closely to see how the new homes integrate with the broader regeneration and how they impact the local housing market. The project stands as a testament to the power of public‑private partnership in tackling urban challenges.
Why It Matters
Providing 203 council homes at Battersea Power Station directly addresses Wandsworth’s urgent housing crisis, offering secure, affordable accommodation for thousands of residents and setting a precedent for future regeneration projects.
Key Takeaways
- 203 council homes approved for Battersea Power Station, part of a £9bn regeneration.
- Homes to be built on an 18‑storey block with communal and roof gardens.
- Construction starts 2027, completion by 2029.
- Project increases affordable housing to 15 percent of total units.
- Collaboration between Wandsworth Council, BPSDC, and GLA.
- Phase five of the regeneration; 2,200+ homes already delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the total number of affordable homes in the Battersea regeneration? The project now includes 589 affordable units—386 from New Mansion Square and 203 council homes—making up roughly 15 percent of the total 4,000 units.
- When will the new council homes be available? Construction is slated to begin in 2027, with occupancy expected by 2029.
- Who will the homes be offered to? They will be allocated to residents on Wandsworth’s waiting list, including those currently homeless.
- What are the next steps for the regeneration? Phase six will focus on cultural attractions and further residential units, while the final phase will complete the development’s infrastructure.
Why it matters
The addition of 203 council homes tackles a critical housing shortage in Wandsworth, providing secure, affordable accommodation for thousands and demonstrating how large‑scale regeneration can deliver tangible community benefits.
Key points
- 203 council homes approved at Battersea Power Station
- Homes to be built on 18‑storey block with gardens
- Construction starts 2027, completion 2029
- Affordable housing now 15% of total units
- Partnership between Wandsworth Council, BPSDC, GLA
- Phase five of an 8‑phase regeneration
- Over 2,200 homes already delivered
Frequently asked questions
What is the total number of affordable homes in the Battersea regeneration?
The project now includes 589 affordable units—386 from New Mansion Square and 203 council homes—making up roughly 15 percent of the total 4,000 units.
When will the new council homes be available?
Construction is slated to begin in 2027, with occupancy expected by 2029.
Who will the homes be offered to?
They will be allocated to residents on Wandsworth’s waiting list, including those currently homeless.
What are the next steps for the regeneration?
Phase six will focus on cultural attractions and further residential units, while the final phase will complete the development’s infrastructure.
