A call to modify an affordable housing contribution for a previously approved housing scheme where the applicants say a previously agreed 50 per cent contribution makes the scheme unviable has been backed in part.

In an application recommended for a delegated decision at the September meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, a modification of a Section 106 affordable housing legal agreement was sought for land near Blockett Farm, Blockett Lane, Little Haven.

An officer report, recommending delegated authority is given to a senior parks officer to vary the affordable housing contribution of a 2010 scheme for six houses from a previous three down to one.

The report said: “The existing legal agreement requires the delivery of 50 per cent affordable housing, equating to three affordable units to be transferred to a Registered Social Landlord (RSL).

“The original application was made in 2010 under the adopted Local Development Plan 1 which had a policy requirement for 50 per cent affordable housing. Since this date, the Local Development Plan 2 has been prepared with updated viability evidence. The adopted LDP 2 (adopted September 2020) has a policy requirement for 20 per cent of new dwellings to be made affordable in the St Brides Bay Housing Submarket.”

It added: “A financial viability assessment was undertaken by the district valuer on behalf of the applicant in October 2019 which concluded no affordable housing could be supported by the development, however no formal application had been made to the authority and due to staffing issues and Covid, progress with considering the request for a modification was delayed.”

However, it says the applicant’s claim the scheme was unviable with any contribution is not supported, with the recommendation for one unit being affordable, adding: “If evidence is provided to demonstrate on-site provision of affordable housing is not appropriate, a financial sum would be required.”

At the September meeting, approval was moved by Dr Madeliene Havard, who expressed her disappointment at the loss of affordable housing units, seconded by Cllr Di Clements.

The recommendation was backed by committee members.