Developers warning over affordable homes target
HOUSING developers in Winchester are warning that targets for affordable homes will rebound and deter crucial development.
Twenty firms have written to the city council saying its stance that new housing schemes must have 40 per cent ‘affordable’ homes, will make many scheme unviable as well as encouraging landowners to hold on to their land.
If house building slows then that could increase the pressure on sites such as Barton Farm, where Cala Homes wants to build 2,000 homes.
The letter spoke of “concern that the evolution of planning policy locally… will frustrate the delivery of any meaningful housing numbers within the Winchester district.”
The letter, signed by Alistair Harris, of WYG Planning and Design, of Droxford, was supported by: Abbottswood Properties, Alfred Homes, Banner Homes, Bargate Homes, Barrett Homes, Bellway Homes, Burton Property, Chalkbank Estates, Crayferne Homes, Kebbell Homes, Linden Homes, Jupe Construction, Mapledean Developments, Millgate, Parsons Construction, Persimmon Homes, Rockbourne Homes, Southcott Homes, Wates Developments and Wilson Designer Homes.
The issue was raised at the full Council where a councillor warned that the new localism agenda for planners could result in “a bit of chaos.”
Simon Cook said the idea of passing planning powers down to local people could lead to every village town and city saying no to development.
That would lead to an even greater shortage of social housing for rent than there is today.
Cllr Cook, a Liberal Democrat, said: “My worry about the whole process it that it opens up a particular problem. Unless you have some sort of strategy of where major housing is going to go, it will result in a bit of chaos because no-one want them (houses).”
For full story and report from Council see this week’s Hampshire Chronicle.