The mayor was approving plans for a development in Barking that is set to create up to 10,000 new homes on a brownfield site on the banks of the River Thames.

At 180 hectares (19 million sq ft), it is the single largest regeneration site in the capital.

Under his predecessor Boris Johnson, the development was only expected to see 28% of those homes become affordable. 

However, Mr Khan has managed to make sure there is a minimum of 35% affordable homes, with provisions to raise the figure to 50% through additional investment and viability reviews.

Mr Khan felt that Barking Riverside had enormous potential to deliver thousands of much-needed homes for Londoners. 

“I’ve made it clear that tackling London’s housing crisis is my number-one priority. 

“Fixing this problem will be a marathon, not a sprint, but developments like this one will play a huge part in our efforts to provide genuinely affordable homes to buy and rent.

“Our next task is to ensure this development includes the facilities and infrastructure which will make this a fantastic place to live and to visit, rather than simply a housing development.”

Barking Riverside is set to contain affordable homes for those looking to rent and first-time buyers.

There will be a mixture of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes available. 

Councillor Darren Rodwell, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said he welcomed the mayor’s approval and felt the development was key for the regeneration of not just the borough, but the whole of London.

“It will undoubtedly make an enormous contribution to solving part of the capital’s housing crisis and we are determined to create an attractive and prosperous new community there.

“This borough has a very exciting and ambitious growth programme, which includes the delivery of over 45,000 new homes and 10,000 new jobs over the next 10 years.  

“We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind. 

“These homes should serve local residents too and therefore providing affordable housing is key.”

Barking Riverside is a joint venture between the Greater London Authority and London & Quadrant Housing Association (L&Q).

David Montague, chief executive of L&Q, concluded that the scheme was one of the most ambitious in Europe and that it was committed to delivering affordable homes. 

“The potential of Barking Riverside is enormous and for L&Q it is a significant step forward in delivering on its promise to build 100,000 homes over the next decade.  

“We are delighted to be at the forefront of making this exciting vision a reality.” 

Picture courtesy of Barking Riverside