CONFUSION surrounds a planned 2,000-home estate on farmland after the developers said the figures don’t stack up.

A consortium of developers which granted conditional approval last year for the scheme between Comeytrowe, in Taunton, and Trull, wants planners to back down on some of their demands.

Taylor Wimpey, MacTaggart & Mickel, Bovis Homes and Summerfield Developments say a condition imposed by Taunton Deane Borough Council - that a quarter of the properties should be affordable homes - is not financially viable.

In a report sent to the council, their agent said: “The site is subject to significant infrastructure and abnormal cost burdens.”

It added the developers want to discuss obligations including building a primary school, flood alleviation measures and changes to road junctions.

The report says: “The applicants are committed to a collaborative analysis of project viability which can explore the range of options and affordable housing, and which balance current market viability with the need to secure a package of planning obligations that meet the council’s priorities.”


RELATED: Residents object to plans for 2,000 homes at Comeytrowe/Trull


District councillor Simon Nicholls (LibDem) said: “I fear that the result will be lengthy negotiations between the council and the developers, likely to end in broken promises and an even worse deal for local residents, or the local taxpayer paying for the bill which should be met by developers.”

Taunton Deane’s ward councillor, Mark Edwards, said: “I have consistently argued that the planning application was premature and it seems that this is now proven, that the consortium had not properly assessed the plans and the associated viability is extremely concerning.

“I will be strongly urging any planning committee not to accept any reduction in what is much needed affordable housing.”

A Deane House spokeswoman said planning permission is not in place yet as a 106 ‘planning gain’ agreement has not been signed by the developers.


RELATED: Application for 2,000 homes at Comeytrowe/Trull approved


She added: “The developer consortium recently raised a viability issue and is not prepared to sign the 106 on the basis of what had been agreed by the planning committee. They are seeking to reduce the affordable housing contribution.

“The council’s viability advisor is considering the information submitted. Any reduction to the quantum of affordable housing would need to be agreed by the planning committee.

“If any amendments are made and the application needs to be considered again by the planning committee, the consultation process would start, enabling people to put their views through the normal procedures.”