New Redhill estate approved despite lack of affordable homes

The 141-home estate will form the second part of the Eagle's Edge development

A housing estate has been approved in Nottinghamshire despite disappointment over the lack of affordable homes.

The plans for 141 homes off the A60 in Redhill were approved unanimously by Gedling Borough Council on Wednesday.

Council policies say a development of that size would require 42 affordable homes.

However, officers said £4m of "abnormal costs" meant developer Cora could only afford to provide 21 before the project was financially unviable.

The new estate, near Bestwood County Park, will form the second part of the Eagle's Edge development and includes 15 properties set aside as first homes.

The site has a steep slope and had other difficult terrain which would need to be levelled out during construction, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Labour councillor David Ellis said: "I'm disappointed to see another scheme without full affordable housing. We've ended up halfway towards the policy."

Conservative councillor Mike Adams questioned whether the affordable homes policy should be reviewed, "otherwise we're going to be in this position of being disappointed every time", he added.

Officers said the site had unique challenges which were not fully known when it was allocated for housing, and that the policy would be reviewed by cabinet later this year.

After the meeting, Robbie Locke, head of planning and strategic land at Cora - formerly Barwood Homes - said: "We are delighted to receive permission for the second phase of Eagle's Edge in Redhill, furthering our commitment and investment to the area.

"This development will provide a further 144 energy-efficient new homes for the community - including those available on the government-backed First Homes scheme along with affordable rental options, all of which will be set within more than two hectares of open space."