A developer which wants to build 150 homes in Quedgeley denied claims that their plans do not include enough affordable housing ahead of a council debate today (Tuesday).

Gloucester City Council will debate whether developer Robert Hitchens Ltd should be allowed to build on more than 14 acres of a former RAF site in Kingsway after a report by planning officers claimed there were grounds for refusal.

The report said: “The proposals do not provide housing that would be available to households who cannot afford to rent or buy houses available on the existing housing market,” it states.

This is a “significant negative weight in the planning balance” that conflicts with guidance set out in the National Planning Policy Framework, the report adds, on top of the project failing to “adequately provide for education facilities.”

Stroud News and Journal: Source: Gloucester City CouncilSource: Gloucester City Council

This morning, a spokesperson from Robert Hitchins Ltd said: "There is both a national and local shortfall of housing which is why property prices are rising so fast and why young people are having trouble realising their aspirations of having somewhere they can call their own home. This application helps to address that need.

"It would provide up to 150 much-needed homes for local people, including 20 per cent affordable which is in line with council policy.

"The planning application was submitted to Gloucester City Council in April 2020 and was not determined within the required 13 weeks. An appeal was therefore lodged with the Planning Inspector on the basis of non-determination.

"There is not yet a legal agreement in place which would secure a Section 106 agreement and contributions towards local services. This would be in place before planning permission is granted."

A planning inspector will decide the future of the plans, after Gloucester City Council failed to determine them within statutory period.