Mayor Forhad Hussain welcomes Council decision to approve a Local Plan for growth until 2042

Mayor Forhad Hussain welcomes Council decision to approve a Local Plan for growth until 2042

• Newham Council adopts Our Newham Local Plan, setting out plans for around 54,000 new homes by 2042.

• The Plan sets a strategic target of 50% affordable housing, alongside more family-sized homes, jobs and community facilities.

• A new planning framework will support investment and regeneration across the borough's varied neighbourhoods, creating opportunities for residents and developers.

Mayor Forhad Hussain last night welcomed a decision by Full Council to ratify a new local plan for Newham.

Introducing the new plan, which will frame planning policy until 2042, Mayor Forhad Hussain said: “My ambition is clear: a Newham where everyone has a fair chance to thrive, and where no community is left behind. 

“That means more genuinely affordable and social rented homes. Better jobs, stronger skills and real routes into opportunity. High streets that are busy and thriving. Neighbourhoods that are cleaner, safer and greener. Good-quality family homes, welcoming public spaces and places where people can put down roots, build relationships and feel proud to belong. 

Legally, the borough's Local Plan must be consistent with the principles and policies in the government’s National Planning Policy Framework and the Mayor of London’s London Plan, which sets the overarching strategic plan for Greater London.

The Our Newham Local Plan sets out a comprehensive vision for sustainable growth across the borough, with place-specific policies for neighbourhoods and 45 site allocations. It seeks to deliver around 54,000 new homes and 418,000 sqm of industrial floorspace and a minimum of 118,000 sqm of office floorspace over the plan period.  

A key objective is to increase the supply of genuinely affordable housing, with a particular emphasis on delivering family-sized homes at social rent to meet local housing needs. The Plan sets a strategic target of 50% affordable homes, with 40% of social rent homes to be family homes (3+ beds). 

The new Local Plan will also complement Opportunity Newham, the Mayor's recently launched investment and growth programme, which brings together the Council, investors, developers and businesses to unlock opportunities across the borough. Opportunities such as: affordable homes and good jobs, to skills, training and apprenticeships, all while supporting local businesses and stronger communities.

Mayor Forhad Hussain said: “We must be honest about the pressures we face. Housing costs are high. Household budgets are stretched. Businesses face rising costs, and the delivery of new homes and essential infrastructure is increasingly challenging. 

“Ambition alone is not enough. We need a plan that is bold about what Newham deserves, realistic about what can be delivered and relentless in making the most of every opportunity.

"Through Opportunity Newham, we are sending a clear message that Newham is open for business and investment. We want to work with developers, investors and businesses who share our ambition to deliver new homes, better jobs and opportunities for our residents.

"Our Newham Local Plan provides the framework to support that growth. But growth must have a purpose. It must mean more affordable homes, good jobs closer to where people live, opportunities for young people and investment that strengthens our local communities.

“This Local Plan has been shaped by local people, businesses, community organisations, neighbouring authorities and elected members through a thorough consultation process, I thank everyone who has contributed. Your voices matter, and our responsibility is to turn that engagement into action. 

“The future of Newham is not something that simply happens to us. It is something we shape together. I want a Newham where families can afford to stay, young people can build their futures, businesses can succeed and every resident can feel that this borough is working for them. 

“This is our opportunity to shape a fairer, stronger and more inclusive Newham. Let us realise that ambition together".

To read our new Local Plan, visit Our Newham Local Plan (PDF)

For further information, please visit Planning Policy and the Local Plan