Attempts by the developer Hopkins Homes to ditch its commitment to build affordable housing on a new estate sparked outrage - but a solution may now have been found. 

The Suffolk-based firm was given the green light for a 52-house project off Hempstead Road in Holt in 2020 on the condition 23 homes were classed as ‘affordable’.

Hopkins then tried to ditch that clause, claiming that selling any of the homes at sub-market rates would not be “viable”.

Councillors slammed the proposed change when it came before North Norfolk District Council’s development committee in February but disagreed over how to confront it, fearing the Planning Inspectorate would overturn any ruling against Hopkins. 

North Norfolk News: Holt ward councillor Georgie Perry-WarnesHolt ward councillor Georgie Perry-Warnes (Image: Supplied)

At the meeting Holt ward councillor Georgie Perry-Warnes said: "I share the level of outrage that has been expressed by many people in Holt that the provision of affordable homes is being treated as an optional extra.
“This is a matter of social justice. It is a fight for fairness.”

But since then NNDC officers have met with the developer three times and come up with a new plan, which would see housing association Flagship buying 23 of the homes for its portfolio using grant funding and some Section 106 money. 

A report prepared ahead of NNDC’s next meeting on April 20 said: “It is important for the development committee to appreciate that these 23 affordable dwellings are not being secured via a traditional S106 affordable housing obligation. 

“Viability evidence demonstrates that the development is not viable to deliver any S106 affordable units.

"However, Flagship Housing would be buying the 23 dwellings at near-market rates and then managing the 23 properties as affordable housing.”

Since the February meeting countryside guardians CPRE Norfolk have objected to the plans, claiming the process was being used to secure excessive developer profits.