Council approvesmore new homes

The council has always opposed the housing development, which was built on a Green Field site off Udimore Road after a Government inquiry ruled in favour of developers Aroncorp.

It has even boycotted ceremonies for tree planting and to mark the first home being built.

But now the council’s planning committee has voted in favour of an additional 26 new dwellings on the site.

Some concern was raised by Cllr Nigel Jennings that the additional homes did not meet the minimum 40 percent affordable housing requirement.

He said: “They are not complying with the core strategy, even if they say they are.”

But it was pointed out that Aroncorp had sold some of its private housing stock to Orbit housing association, pushing the proportion of affordable housing above 40 percent.

Cllr Jonathan Breeds said: “Perhaps the council should change its position now that the development is there.

“In the past we have refused to take part in any ceremonies connected with it.”

Cllr Bernardine Fiddimore said: “Some people have said that it has enhanced the local community.

“Some local people have been housed there and that has been quite helpful.”

But Cllr John Breeds said: “The prices are above £329,000, which is ridiculous. “They are like little cardboard houses.”

Cllr Mike Eve said: “I am concerned about additional pressure on the sewers.”