Vauxhall Square: Lib Dems Defend £80m Housing Payment Amid 811,000-Ton Carbon Footprint

Lambeth Liberal Democrats have defended their support for the Vauxhall Square development, arguing that an £80 million payment in lieu of on-site affordable housing will fund 350-400 council homes across the borough. The scheme includes 122 social rent homes and 120 discounted rent homes on site, with 25% affordable housing overall, above the Mayor of London's 20% requirement. The Lib Dems say rejecting the application risked it being overruled at extra cost to taxpayers. Greens on the planning committee opposed the approval, pointing to a carbon footprint of 811,000 tonnes and only 6% social rent across the development. They argue this is incompatible with Lambeth's climate emergency commitments. The application now goes to the Mayor of London for final approval. The debate highlights the tension between housing need and carbon reduction in major developments.