Plans to scrap affordable housing in Mendlesham rejected

Bayfield Homes is currently building on land to the south of Chapel Road in Mendlesham, near Stowmarket.

The developer sought to modify the section 106 planning obligation to provide 10 affordable homes as part of the scheme in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council in March. 

Twenty-homes will be built on the site (Image: Google Maps)

Instead, it wanted all the homes to be delivered through the open market. 

Documents lodged with Mid Suffolk District Council state the application was made on the grounds of viability. 

A financial viability appraisal states: "the scheme cannot afford to deliver any affordable housing".

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However, Mid Suffolk District Council has refused the plans. 

A decision notice said: "The application to modify the affordable housing obligation is refused because the original obligation is considered to serve a useful purpose: delivering the consented provision of affordable housing, consistent with the decision to grant planning permission for development subject to the amount of affordable housing secured at that time.

"Furthermore, the proposed modification would not serve that useful purpose equally well because it would significantly reduce or remove entirely the amount of affordable housing that would be delivered."

Mendlesham Parish Council also objected to the proposals. A statement said: "This application was supported by Mendlesham Parish Council on the basis that it provided much needed affordable housing for local people.

"Whilst we are aware that developers are able to make such applications, why should local people in need now suffer due to the inadequacy of the past and current landowners or the developers to provide a financially workable solution, without penalising the local community?"

For more information about planning notices visit the Public Notice Portal.