Taylor Wimpey wants reduction of affordable homes at Hightown Road development near Ringwood

A DEVELOPER which plans to build up to 400 homes on the edge of Ringwood wants to reduce the amount of affordable homes from half to 28%.

Taylor Wimpey’s outline proposal for land north of Hightown Road, Hightown, was approved by New Forest District Council’s planning committee in March 2023.

However, the application is set to be reconsidered at a meeting of the committee on Wednesday after the level of affordable homes was deemed no longer viable.

A report to the planning committee states: “In March 2023 when members of the committee last considered the proposal the application proposed a policy compliant level (50%) of affordable housing.

“Because the application is in outline, the actual housing mix, distribution of affordable housing across the site and types of housing was, and remains to be, unknown and is not a matter to be considered at this stage.”

It explains the amount of affordable homes now proposed was 28%, and would include dwellings for social rent and affordable ownership.

The report recommends approval of the reduced number of affordable homes, due to the “very clear need for the proposed 112 affordable units”.

It notes that while “some adverse impacts are identified, the council finds itself in the midst of a housing crisis”.

It adds: “The application would also bring a range of benefits, most notably of which is the delivery of up to 400 homes, which is a reasonably substantial amount of housing that would contribute towards the requirements of the area.”