A developer has requested all of its contributions to the community from a Long Sutton site be removed amid a row with the parish council over removing hedges.
Loosegate Developments, which has started preparation work as it looks to build 180 homes off Seagate Road, is meant to build 25 per cent as ‘affordable’ and provide around £80,000 for local health provision and just over £50,000 to local education.
But the company claims rising costs and being advised to improve the electrical network, will leave “a financial deficit” just shy of £3.4m.
Documents submitted with the application to get rid of all Section 106 payments says it will still have a deficit of £1.4m.
“Even with updated build costs and sale prices, the development is still not viable, unless the developer accepts a profit level of below 17.5 per cent,” a financial viability statement arranged by the developer states.
Long Sutton Parish Council has objected, stating the council should adopt a Community Infrastructure Levy policy “in order that developers pay CIL before commencing a development.”
The issue came before the parish council alongside concerns raised over the removal of shrubbery around a dyke at the back of existing properties.
The council chairman John Cleary said: “All of a sudden a lot of security has gone from the back of properties mostly owned by elderly residents.”
A spokesman for Loosegate said the work was all part of the planning permission and it had leafleted every nearby affected home. It also states it was looking to build 35 homes fewer than it had permission for, to provide more open space and incorporate the dyke.
“The existing watercourse has been in a poor state for a number of years, with residents telling us they have had past issues with it not draining, wild vegetation damaging and overhanging their boundaries and instances of anti-social behaviour.
“In conjunction with the current landowner, we have therefore committed to clearing the watercourse earlier than required so as to maintain relationships and check its condition for future use.
“Prior to works commencing, all neighbouring properties have been letter-dropped by Loosegate Developments with a representative actively visiting each to address any concerns.
“We are using an Environment Agency approved contractor and prior to commencement have carried out the necessary ecology surveys and timed it to avoid bird nesting periods.
“We have been in constant liaison with the local councillor throughout the works who is fully satisfied it is being carried out considerately and correctly.”
