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Search the Public Notice PortalA developer building a new estate in a Norfolk village has applied to drop its commitment to include affordable housing, in what is a growing trend across the county.
FW Properties, which is behind plans to build 23 homes on the edge of Bracon Ash, near Mulbarton, claims that rising costs of construction material means it is no longer able to provide seven lost-cost properties on the site.
The company also wants to ditch commitments to provide open spaces and sport facilities.
Officials at South Norfolk Council have recommended that councillors approve the change in the plans when they meet next week.
It follows a number of similar cases across Norfolk in recent months where developers have sought to reduce or abandon their commitment to provide affordable homes.
They blame soaring construction costs, high borrowing rates and strict regulations they claim make building cheaper units financially unviable.
However, councillors and campaigners have repeatedly criticised the companies for protecting their profits by backing out of commitments.
Last week, Matthew Homes Ltd saw its bid to scrap low-cost housing on its estate in Dereham rejected by Breckland councillors, who went against the recommendation of their own officers, who said there was no legal basis for refusal.
Alison Webb, the Conservative councillor for Dereham on Breckland Council, said: "Why don't [developers] take their profits down and give us our affordable houses? All the other developers have delivered affordable homes. Why can't this one?"
Also last week, Torrington Properties was allowed to scrap its plans for affordable housing on its scheme in Chapel Road, Lingwood.
Some Broadland councillors tried to resist the move. Sue Catchpole, Liberal Democrat councillor for Aylsham, said: “I am concerned about the precedent this may be setting.”
Eleanor Laming, Green Party councillor for Brundall, said: “It just seems to me to go to show that the way we tried to provide affordable housing in this country is not adequate to meet the demand and I think it is storing up difficulties for us for the future.”
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