Questions were raised over why the developer could not provide funding towards services in the area that its homes will increase demand for.
A housing development on the edge of March has been approved ‘reluctantly’, with the developers due to provide no money for schools, doctors, or dentists in the area.
Councillors at Fenland District Council raised concerns about the lack of financial contributions towards services in the area that people moving into the new homes will use.
A representative of the developer said the proposal is “near enough unviable” and that there is “no money in the pot” to make additional contributions.
Plans to build 15 new homes on land off Berryfield in March were approved by councillors this week (January 7). The homes are due to range in size from three to four-bedrooms, with four different house designs proposed.
The homes are due to be built on the eastern edge of the site, with the rest left undeveloped to be used as public open space. The plans followed previous proposals to build 18 homes on the site, which were refused last year.
Charlotte Penny, a representative of the developer Fink Developments, told councillors at a planning committee meeting that the latest proposals addressed the concerns raised about the previous proposals.
She said: “This proposal will deliver much needed housing in a primary market town, with excellent sustainable transport links, and with the prospect of delivery imminently.”
Councillor Jan French highlighted that the proposed development did not include any affordable homes, and that no financial contributions are proposed towards services in the area.
When building new homes developers often agree to Section 106 contributions with councils, setting out money they will provide for services in the area, in recognition of the increased demand created from the new homes being built.
Cllr French said: “Doctors, dentists, schools, who will pay for this? Why should the local authority pay when our applicant is making money, why should we have to do it?”
Ms Penny said she understood what Cllr French’s concerns, but said there is not any money to spare to make these extra contributions. She said: “The difficulty that we have, it is a very large piece of land, but because of the flood risk constraints, only a third of it is developable, it is near enough unviable anyway.
“I do understand what you are saying, it is not for councils to pick that up, but I am in a position where I have to say to you there is no money in the pot for that, and it is regrettable.”
Councillor David Connor said he agreed with Cllr French’s concerns. He said: “15 houses in a market town and there is just no affordable housing provision at all and no 106 money for any improvements at all, it cannot be right, but it is what it is I suppose.”
Cllr French said she would “reluctantly” support the plans, but said she remained concerned about the lack of affordable housing and financial contributions. When a decision was put to a vote councillors agreed unanimously to approve the application.
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