By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
New homes in Sneinton have been given the green light after a decision was delayed due to concerns over the developer’s failure to provide a financial contribution to the area.
Blueprint, which is owned by Nottingham City Council alongside PfP Capital, had been seeking permission to build 22 townhouses and four duplex apartments off Bath Street.
Under council policy, developers typically agree to provide a financial payment to help with affordable housing targets, creating more open space, increasing biodiversity as well as education, employment and training opportunities.
It is known as a Section 106 contribution.
However Blueprint said the financial contribution of £432,765, including £282,497 for affordable housing and £66,072 for education, was “unviable” due to the marginal profits on the development.
While an independent assessment determined the waiving of the Section 106 was justified in the circumstances, councillors delayed the decision back in November to consider the issue in more depth.
They also asked that the developer consider adding solar panels to the proposed development.
The plans returned to the Planning Committee on Wednesday, December 20.
Planning officer Martin Hall said: “The process that has been gone through with CP Viability does follow national policy guidance on viability.
“I have to say I think their conclusion is very clear cut in this case.
“The question for the planning committee then is the overall weight that should be attached to the conclusion that the scheme is not viable.
“On the plus side of that balance we have a very good, innovative, high quality development.
“It exceeds the council’s policy requirements in terms of sustainability and carbon reduction, it is providing 26 homes, including 22 homes for families. It is on brownfield land that is otherwise a quite challenging site to develop.”
Following discussions all but one councillor approved the scheme.
Sherwood’s Labour Councillor AJ Matsiko opted to abstain from the vote having previously cited concerns over the developer’s failure to provide community cash.
Blueprint returned the plans to now include the option for solar panels, if a homeowner chooses to have them installed when buying a property.
It purchased the land next to the Victoria Leisure Centre and Sneinton Market in 2018 and the first phase of the ‘Fruit Market’ scheme, for 13 homes, is expected to be finished next year.
The name of the scheme pays homage to the area’s history as a once-thriving fruit market.
Cllr Graham Chapman (Lab) added: “This is an opportunity to get some family housing in the city centre.
“We’ve now got the opportunity to build some more and I don’t think we should be turning over the opportunity for this very, very good thing to do.
“I’ve also spent a lot of time on Section 106 over the years trying to maximise it. However, we absolutely need to be realistic at the moment is that the building industry margins and really, really low.
“We need to be prepared, this is as a committee, to know it is going to be a real struggle to get 106. In these circumstances it would be unrealistic if we were pushing for the 106.”
