Canada Water regeneration project faces backlash

A major multi-billion pound regeneration project at Canada Water has drawn sharp criticism after developer British Land proposed cutting affordable housing from 35% to just 3%, citing rising construction costs and new building regulations. The controversial move, submitted via a Section 73 planning amendment, sparked over 1,100 public objections and accusations of broken promises. With Southwark Council missing deadlines to respond, Mayor Sadiq Khan has now called in the application and will make the final decision. While British Land argues the development is no longer financially viable without cutting affordable units, critics, including local Liberal Democrat councillors, call the revised plan “insulting” and a betrayal of residents. The Greater London Authority has acknowledged the scheme’s financial challenges but has yet to decide on a way forward. The original 2020 Masterplan had committed to nearly 3,000 homes, with over a third designated as affordable.

My London (06/12/2025)