Politics
St Albans Council Adopts Revised Local Plan Requiring 35 Percent Affordable Homes in New Builds
The policy sets new targets that will shape planning applications for housing developments across St Albans district starting later this year.
How we reported this
The St Albans City and District Council approved revisions to its Local Plan on 15 June 2026. The changes require 35 percent of homes in developments of 15 or more units to meet affordable criteria. This rule covers sites in St Albans, Harpenden and London Colney.
The update follows the expiry of the 2020 Local Plan framework. Council documents cite an expected district population rise of 8 percent by 2035 as the main driver for the timing. The revisions align with national housing delivery targets set out in the 2024 Levelling Up and Regeneration Act.
Residents looking to buy or rent in the district will encounter the new quota on future planning applications. A family in Marshalswick seeking shared ownership options could access units priced at 60 percent of market value in estates near the A414. Commuters in Redbourn may see fewer market-rate flats approved on greenfield sites under the updated thresholds.
The council's 2026/27 budget paper allocates £1.2 million for planning enforcement teams to monitor compliance with the affordable housing targets. This figure covers additional staff and monitoring software for the first two years of implementation.
Policy Analysts and Local Voices Assess the Changes
Policy analysts say the 35 percent threshold matches rates used in neighbouring Hertfordshire districts such as Watford and Welwyn Hatfield. Local advocates note that the policy could increase the supply of one and two bedroom units near St Albans station by 2029.
The government says the policy will begin applying to applications submitted after 1 September 2026. Council officers expect the first batch of compliant schemes to reach the planning committee by early 2027.