A BID to reinforce Taunton Deane's dedication to providing affordable housing has been flattened.

Councillors met to discuss a proposition by the Deane's Liberal Democrats to change the wording of the core strategy, TDBC's plans for housing, to deter housing developers from reducing the number of affordable houses in viability 'loopholes'.

TDBC's target has been set at providing 25 per cent affordable housing from 2008-2028.

The motion was sparked by Cllr Fran Smith and Cllr Simon Coles who were inspired by the recent approval of 1,600 new homes in Staplegrove, of which only 15 per cent would be affordable housing.

The developers claimed the project would not be "viable" if they were to provide 25 per cent affordable housing. It was instead agreed that 15 per cent would suffice, meaning 103 fewer affordable homes.

The motion was defeated with 27 'no's and 21 'yes's.

Cllr Terry Beale said: "We always strive for 25 per cent but it is not always possible.

"Many discussions take place before the percentage is reduced, the current progress is vigorous.

"To be prescriptive on 25 per cent would be leading ourselves down the wrong path.

"For Staplegrove, I'd rather have 15 per cent of 1,600, than zero per cent of nothing."

Although the motion was defeated, councillors did agree that there was a problem with viability, but it was faced nationally, not just in Taunton Deane.

Cllr John Williams, leader, said: "I find this a difficult one as we are all on the same page.

"We all want to deliver 25 per cent but it is how we deliver it.

"Rewording the core strategy is a little premature. It's well-meaning, but muddling thinking."

Cllr Roger Habgood said that changing the wording would hold "no weight" in planning terms, but agreed everyone wanted to see viability rules changed.

Those in support of the motion believed it would be a commitment to the neediest people in the borough.

Cllr Ross Henley said: "We have a responsibility to the people of Taunton Deane. A lot of the 'affordable houses' are still way above the means of people.

"Developers would not walk away if the council were to enforce 25 per cent and insist on its responsibilities."