THREE London councils have launched a High Court challenge against proposed cuts to affordable housing quotas that private developers must include in their projects.

New developments must allocate 35 per cent of their proposed units to affordable housing to qualify for a fast-tracked planning process.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) announced plans to reduce this to 20 per cent in October.

The prospective legal challenge by Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Lewisham councils is being supported by Lambeth, Southwark, Waltham Forest and Haringey, as well as Green Party leader Zack Polanski.

The councils claim London Mayor Sadiq Khan and City Hall have not used the proper process for amending the quota in the London Plan, a development strategy written by the mayor.

They also claim there was a lack of consultation before the decision was made.

Judges will now decide whether the case is “arguable” and go to a full hearing.