Plans to cut affordable homes at estate rejected

The developer said it could not build as many affordable homes because of surface water and rising costs

A developer has been told it will not be allowed to reduce the number of affordable homes it builds on a new housing estate.

Persimmon Homes is building 780 properties on the site of the former Royal Norwich Golf Club.

The firm wanted to cut down the number of affordable homes from 185, to 30, but councillors rejected the attempts at a Broadland District Council meeting on Wednesday.

Liberal Democrat Caroline Karimi-Ghovanlou, who chaired the meeting, said the proposed adjustment was "in direct conflict with the wider planning framework".

"If we allow developers to dilute these obligations after permission is granted we risk eroding public trust in the planning process," she warned.

One third of the development has been completed so far

Persimmon had asked to make adjustments to its proposal for the land in Hellesdon – which was given approval in 2016.

The firm originally planned to build 1,000 homes, with one third to be sold at least 20% below market value, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, it said it reduced this number to 780 because of surface water issues. About one-third of the homes have already been completed off Drayton High Road.

Persimmon said it could not build as many affordable homes because of surface water issues and rising costs, and council officers recommended the planning committee should approve the latest application.

But councillors accused Persimmon of "not doing their due diligence" before purchasing the site, and said the new proposals would leave Hellesdon "to suffer the consequences".

'Hellesdon deserves better'

Conservative Shelagh Gurney said there had been a "complete and utter disregard" for her ward area.

"There is a recognised housing need within Hellesdon and a reduction in affordable housing will hinder the ability to meet this need," she added.

Councillors also raised concerns that there would end up being 200 fewer trees and a proposed playing field would be half the size.

Planning officer Ben Burgess warned it would be "very difficult" to refuse the latest application because of the reduction in affordable homes.

Instead, the committee refused it because of there being less open space and fewer trees.

The BBC asked Persimmon for comment.

At the meeting, a decision on another planning application, the 480-home Pinebanks development in Thorpe St Andrew, was deferred.

Councillors agreed they wanted to carry out a site visit before voting on the plans.