'Flexibility' needed for developers (From Western Telegraph)

'Flexibility' needed for developers

12:30pm Friday 15th March 2013 in Letters

I READ with great interest your article in the Western Telegraph, on February 27th about the developers at The Royal Gatehouse, Tenby sealing a new affordable home deal, particularly the wording ‘flexibility’ used by Ted Sangster.

Having been employed locally in the construction industry for over 20 years, largely in house building, I have witnessed the introduction of affordable homes legislation during the past few years. Most, if not all, accept the need for affordable housing, but a combination of legislation, mortgage availability and the current economic climate means it is almost impossible for developers to offer affordable homes to anyone other than the housing associations.

I was recently involved in a feasibility study for a local housing development of 14 houses. There was a proposed mix of four affordable and ten for private sale. With only 42% funding available for the affordable homes the scheme was not feasible and the developer walked away.

This without doubt would have been different with the same 96% funding granted to the Tenby project.

I congratulate the developers at The Royal Gatehouse for securing the additional funding, but ask the local authority to confirm the same flexibility will be extended to local developers.

In fact we don’t need flexibility we need consistency and a level playing field with the same funding offered to all.

MR G. H. REES

Saundersfoot