Cash row holds up Lynn housing scheme
PLANS for a new sheltered housing complex in Lynn could be thrown out after developers offered hundreds of thousands of pounds less than planners wanted for affordable housing.
McCarthy and Stone Retirement Lifestyles want to build 51 new apartments for elderly residents on the former Lynn Silos site on the South Quay.
But the bid did not go down well with the West Norfolk Council planning committee on Monday after the developer failed to meet the required cash contribution for affordable housing.
The council wanted £480,000, which equates to eight affordable housing units, but the developer offered just £52,917.
The committee has been advised to refuse the application but will make a site visit before reaching a final decision.
A number of local people expressed concerns about the apartment block towering over the area and a proposal to re-route a 400-year-old passageway, Devil’s Alley.
But planning agent Lisa Matthewson said the scheme would provide jobs and much- needed accommodation.
She said the affordable housing valuation had been confirmed by independent agents and pointed out they could not build on the ground floor because of flood risks.
She added: “The on-site contribution, nearing £53,000, is considered appropriate to ensure the scheme is delivered.”
But resident Paul Willoughby-Ellis said the height of the proposed building, 17 metres at its highest, was out of context with the surroundings.
Ward councillor Lesley Bambridge said the plans were “bland”, adding: “The local architecture needs to be respected.”
Andy Tyler said the development would reduce the amount of natural light into surrounding homes and create a sense of claustrophobia.
Committee member Zipha Christopher questioned how people would be evacuated in an emergency, adding: “It is not suitable for elderly people.”
Members also voiced concerns over parking, lack of green space, poor public transport links and the impact of diverting Devil’s Alley.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North
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Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
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