Monday, 14 May 2018

A tale of two developments > affordable housing in Sidford ... but not at Knowle

The District Council's officers recommended the rejection of a planning application in Sidford:
Futures Forum: Proposals for sheltered housing for the elderly in Sidford > refused as it still did not include ‘an adequate amount of affordable housing’ or a ‘provision of an overage clause’.

It has not escaped notice that this contradicts the position taken by the same officers over a certain planning application at Knowle:
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project >>> and comparisons with other proposals for sheltered housing for the elderly in Sidford >>> A planning officer recommended the application be refused as it still did not include ‘an adequate amount of affordable housing’ or a ‘provision of an overage clause’.

As a letter in the latest Herald points out: 

A tale of two developments: 

East Devon District Council are being terrier-like in their pursuit of a full affordable housing contribution from Churchill, but rolled over like a lap dog when it came to the £3.5million that should have been due at Knowle.  

Is this anything to do with their desperate flight to Honiton?

Ed Dolphin

Sidmouth and Ottery breaking news and sport - Sidmouth Herald

There is indeed an 'overage clause' - but this is very unlikely to happen, which means that there will be no £3.5million coming to the District: 

However, the developer could have to comply with what is known as an overage clause: If more than a 20% profit is made from the development, the council will be entitled to 50% of any profit made over and above the 20%, to a maximum of £3.5 million.

Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: "decision to sell HQ for £7.5m worst deal ever"

Meanwhile, the District Council's planning committee has agreed with their officers - and rejected the application for a housing complex for the elderly in Sidford:
39 flat development at Green Close rejected again by planning committee | Latest Sidmouth and Ottery News - Sidmouth Herald
Bid to demolish former council care home and build retirement flats refused - Devon Live
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