PLANS for hundreds of houses on the site of a former business park have been overhauled for a second time.

And now developers say affordable homes would not be viable.

Developer Persimmon Homes has submitted revised proposals for the Cowdray Centre site in Colchester after concerns were raised by planning officers at Colchester Council.

The plan is now for 265 homes.

Persimmon first submitted plans for 272 new homes in January last year before revising them to 262 homes in the summer.

In a letter the developer said the changes were “seeking to enhance the appearance” of the scheme and create a better experience for the public.

Amendments include:

  • a new housing design
  • a new L-shaped block
  • some homes moved back to create space for tree planting
  • and changes to the mix of housing types on the east side of the entrance

The letter from Michael Smith at JCN Design said: “These changes add three plots to the total number of new homes proposed as a result of the change in the proportion of apartments and houses within the scheme.”

Colchester Council’s policy is for 20 per cent affordable homes on developments of more than ten homes.

But this is negotiable “subject to project viability”.

In a financial appraisal document submitted as part of the plans it said Persimmon Homes’ overall return would be “below the threshold land value” before affordable housing is considered.

It added the developer was still “willing to bring the site forward for residential development”.

The report said: “On this basis nil affordable housing can be supported by the project and that this remains the case into the delivery stages.

“However, the applicant welcomes further discussions regarding affordable housing and section106 provision and obligations on the application site with the council having regard to the findings.”

A spokesman for Persimmon Homes Essex said: “While we recognise this is a challenging brownfield site, we are continuing to liaise with the local planning authority regarding the redevelopment of the former Cowdray Centre, and are seeking to progress this opportunity to deliver much-needed new housing in the area.”

Colchester Council will have the final say on the plans.