The severe lack of affordable housing across Elmbridge is forcing families to live in cramped conditions as they sit on seemingly endless waiting lists.

Across the three Weybridge wards in the past three years, 211 dwellings were built but just 24 of these were affordable properties for those on low incomes or struggling to support families.

This is despite a housing needs survey in 2005 found social stock in Elmbridge was below the national average and stated affordability was a major issue in the area.

Councillor John O’Reilly, portfolio holder for housing, said: “We are not delivering the appropriate number of affordable houses and there is a real need for it in our borough.

“I hope we can find better planning mechanisms so more can be built. The present system is helpful but not as much as I would like.”

Mrs Underwood, a parent living in Grovelands, Molesey, is one victim of the housing drought. She is currently living in a two-bedroom flat with her partner and three children and has been on Elmbridge Housing Trust’s (EHT) list since February 2007.

Her eldest son has ADHD so needs a room of his own, forcing her 14-month-old and three-month-old to share in a bedroom with her and her partner.

“I just want the council to come and have a look at the way we’re living. It’s awful,” said Mrs Underwood. “My youngest needs to move into a cot but we physically have nowhere to fit one.

“The only option we have left is to bring her into bed with us.

“I’m worried that the stress will effect my son because he’s at risk of exclusion in school if his behaviour deteriorates any more.”

EHT assesses cases according to need and said each time somebody else registers with a higher need, they will be placed further up the list.

“There is clearly an ever increasing level of housing need in Elmbridge with very many households unable to live on their own,” an EHT spokesman said.

“We need to work closely with the borough to ensure planning policies address this need and all affordable housing opportunities are maximised.”

Councillor O’Reilly said: “The planning system needs to reflect the needs of the community. We need a much more imaginative use of land to make a dent in what is becoming a very serious problem.”