A DEVELOPER will no longer have to provide affordable housing as it would make a development “unviable”.

Conroy Brook (Developments) Ltd was granted approval to develop Prickleden Mills in Holmfirth last year.

The firm wants to build 46 age-restricted apartments for the over 55s, along with a residents’ lounge, manager’s office, car parking and a riverside walkway.

As part of the planning approval Conroy Brook agreed to contribute £58,509, via a Section 106 agreement, towards education, ensure 15% affordable housing provision and a riverside walkway and bridge.

But last week the developer was back before the Huddersfield Planning Sub-Committee asking for some of the S106 agreement to be lifted.

Councillors were told the development would be unviable with it, but that they wanted to develop the brownfield site.

Clr Andrew Cooper said: “I wonder how often this is going to come up – developers with viability issues. Affordable housing has reduced to zero. Is there no leeway to have even a few affordable houses?”

Clr Ken Sims said professional builders should have seen the risk while Clr Nigel Patrick said the £100,000 for a walkway and bridge would not go far.

Clr Nicola Turner spoke in support and said: “If we say no to all brownfield sites with viability issues they’ll look at building on the greenbelt.

“We all know its cheaper and easier to build on the greenbelt and we all want development on brownfield sites – let’s support them.”

The vote went nine to five councillors in favour of removing the education and affordable housing element.

Prickleden Mills, off Woodhead Road, will make way for five three and four-storey apartment blocks.