A DECISION to approve plans for ten office units and 20 new apartments is set to be overturned after a developer failed to explain how it would contribute towards affordable housing.

Maldon District Council’s central area planning committee approved plans for The Old Engine Shed in Station Road, Maldon, back in March.

The plans are for ten B1 office units and 20 two bedroom apartments.

Councillors agreed to approve the plans subject to a Section 106 agreement being signed to secure provision for affordable housing.

But after receiving no correspondence from the applicant or his agent the council advised them in December that the application would be reconsidered and refused.

Officers have now recommended the planning committee refuses the application.

A report, which will go before the meeting on Wednesday, said: “The committee resolved to grant permission subject to an undertaking to provide affordable housing in accordance with policies in the Replacement Local Plan and Local Development Plan some nine months ago.

“No substantive response has been received from the applicant via his agent.

“The applicant’s agent has been advised that the matter is to be reported to the Committee and if any further information is received it will be reported at or before the meeting.

“In the light of no progress being made to secure the provision of affordable housing it is recommended that the application be refused.”

The central area planning committee will meet at the council offices in Princes Road, Maldon, from 7.30pm on Wednesday.