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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Jon Ungoed-Thomas

Labour condemned for allowing ‘new generation of slum homes’ in England

Developers converted Newbury House in Ilford, east London, from an office block into residential accommodation
Developers converted Newbury House in Ilford, east London, from an office block into residential accommodation. Photograph: Martin Godwin/The Guardian

Labour has been accused of allowing developers to build a new generation of “slum” homes by converting office blocks into flats without planning permission.

The controversial projects will boost Keir Starmer’s drive to build 1.5m new homes in England but have been labelled a “free-for-all” for developers. Many of these commercial blocks are built on industrial estates or business parks, with complaints of poor ventilation and no access to private outdoor space.

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