CONTROVERSY over a lack of affordable housing in Winchester surrounded a recent planning application.

Winchester City Council approved a 10-flat development on Park Road on Thursday at a meeting in the Guildhall.

But some councillors slammed the ‘inappropriate’ contribution from developers towards affordable housing.

In accordance with the council’s planning policy, developer Banner Homes will pay £20,475 toward provision of cheaper homes in the city.

Cllr Therese Evans said: “I feel strongly that the contribution is inappropriate and there is no provision for affordable housing within the development itself.”

Cllr Dominic Hiscock said: “Until we start enforcing our affordable planning policy developers have no reason to provide it.”

But Julie Pinnock, head of development at the council, said she was satisfied council officers had secured a ‘viable’ amount from the developers.

It was the second time the application had come before the committee after a proposal was rejected in December 2012.

The revised plans will retain the main part of the current period building, but build on some of the lawn which sits in front of it.

Speaking on behalf of the developer, James Cleary said: “There is a need to make better use of the property and to remove recent unattractive additions to the building. The development makes a valuable contribution to the city’s housing need.”

Work is set to begin in the New Year.