THE number of planned affordable houses will be significantly reduced in Andover if council bosses approve a controversial application by a developer.

Augusta Park developers Taylor Wimpey have lodged an application with Test Valley Borough Council to modify the number of affordable houses built on the development from 40 per cent to 30 per cent.

When council officials originally rubber- stamped the development of 2,500 properties, it was agreed that 40 per cent of those would be affordable to suit the housing needs of the town.

The latest application follows an unsuccessful submission by Taylor Wimpey last year to modify the number of affordable houses from 40 per cent to just 10 per cent.

In recent weeks councillors have agreed that the developers can build an additional 350 properties on land originally intended to be a secondary school.

If this application was to succeed, it would mean a potential loss of 200 affordable houses to the town. Alamein Liberal Democrats are calling for councillors to refuse the application.

Liberal Democrat spokesman Len Gates said: “The 40 per cent figure was part of the legal agreement with Test Valley and reflected the needs of the local community. It has been shown to be economically viable.

“A previous attempt to reduce the number of affordable homes was recommended for refusal. Taylor Wimpey’s attempt to change it now boosts their profits at the expense of local residents.”

Fellow campaigner Sheryl Scott- Clarke added: “On Test Valley’s housing register there are over 2,000 people in housing need. Many of them could be accommodated by the 40 per cent requirement.

“New development must reflect the needs of local residents. The council planning department and councillors should ensure its policies and targets are met.”

Tory Alamein ward councillor Phil North said: “It is concerning that the developer is once again trying to get out of its obligation.”

Smannell Parish Council has also objected to the proposal.

A spokesman for Taylor Wimpey said: “We are looking to work with the local authority to provide the most appropriate allocation of affordable housing for the development, taking into account the constraints of the site and considerations of viability.”

Campaigners are urging residents to join them in submitting objections to the proposals. This can be done via the council website at testvalley.gov.uk/resident/ planningandbuildingcontrol/view planningapplicationsonline/view-planning- applications-online/. The application number is 15/00437/OBLN.