A DEVELOPER wanting to build hundreds of homes on a former business park has backtracked after saying affordable homes would not be viable.

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

The plan is now for 262 homes - three fewer than the previous application.

The move is to counter issues over the homes and existing trees to the south of the site.

Earlier this year Persimmon Homes said it would not be able to provide 20 per cent affordable homes as is expected by Colchester Council policy.

The firm, which made a £977 million pre-tax profit in 2017, said it would not be financially viable.

But after discussions with the council it has now suggested 20 per cent affordable housing would be possible.

Gazette:

It would include 52 affordable units. In a letter to the council, Matt Parsons, senior planner at Persimmon Homes, said: “This site has a long history of employment uses and has an existing use value that reflects employment use.

“While it is clearly desirable to see this site brought forward for much needed housing, as with the previous consent, the challenges and complexities of brining forward a complex brownfield site need to be recognised.”

READ MORE: Developer says it 'can’t afford' to offer any affordable homes on Cowdray Centre site

Persimmon is also proposing it will pay £240,000 towards open space, £96,000 for NHS, £65,000 towards a cycle and pedestrian route, £1,218,738 towards education and £359,000 towards a multi-use community facility adjacent to the visitors centre at High Woods Country Park.

Original plans were submitted for 272 homes in January last year.

Persimmon Homes said it hoped the scheme could now go before the planning committee in April.

Colchester Council will have the final say on the plans.