DEVELOPERS who have asked to provide fewer affordable homes at a site in Weymouth have been blasted by a councillor.

As reported, a planning agreement was made in August 2020 that concluded plans for 13 houses and six flats on the land just off Roman Road and Spa Road in Weymouth would include six affordable units with a 30% discount.

The site was subsequently acquired by Clark Estates which say the development’s ‘viability position has shifted markedly since the original application and appeal’ and are proposing three affordable units with only a 20% discount.

Radipole councillor David Gray has slammed the decision as being 'completely wrong'.

He said: “Councillor Pete Barrow and I have for some time fought against the changes in the development plans.

“It is a great example of trying to maximise profit at the expense of affordable homes when we all know the issues in Weymouth and Portland for housing."

The councillor accepts that affordable homes are not always the answer to solving issues regarding housing but says they do offer some help.

He continued: “I acknowledge that the affordable homes scheme is not always necessarily the solution but its does offer a slight relief for people getting on the property ladder.

“I do understand the need for profit but we need to consider social mobility issues.”

Alongside fellow ward councillor Peter Barrow, Cllr Gray says he expects they will be launching an objection against the new proposal with the planning committee.

He added: “All we want is for the original planning application to stay because we are desperate for affordable homes.”

Previously Chapman Lily Planning, representing the developers of the site, wrote to Dorset Council explaining they have ‘exhausted all other options ahead of making’ the application.

Brett Spiller of Chapman Lily Planning also said: “The technical challenges presented by the site, combined with a general rise in build costs (materials and labour) has affected the site's overall economic viability.

“Consequently, the site does not generate suitable incentives for the parties to bring the site forward for development in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework.”