FRUSTRATED by developers ‘reneging’ on agreements made during the planning process, the county council’s planning committee has put its foot down.

An application to reduce the number of affordable houses at a Humshaugh site has been rejected.

Housing developer Cussins proposed to vary a section 106 agreement from six affordable houses to four bungalows provided for affordable rent.

The agreement related to outline planning permission to build 20 homes on land east of East Lea in the village, granted in May 2015.

Cussins said that since the agreement was made, a need for affordable rented bungalows had been identified.

The developer added that the number of units was reduced due to the additional land required for bungalows.

The issue was discussed at Tuesday’s meeting of Northumberland County Council planning committee.

A report by senior planning officer, Haley Marron recommended that members approve the application.

The proposal was also supported by Northumberland County Council’s affordable housing team who who described the move as representing ‘good value to affordable housing in this area.’

Speaking on behalf of Cussins at the planning committee meeting, David Brocklehurst said that a registered provider was willing to purchase the bungalows.

He said: “It’s often difficult for house builders to find a registered provider for such a small number of affordable homes. We consider the scheme represents a good way for the village to deliver affordable housing that the council has identified is in need.”

However Humshaugh Parish Council said that the application was the third instance of developers reducing agreed commitments in the village.

And speaking at the meeting, one resident said: “This application seems to go against all regional and national policies on affordable housing. There’s no justification to change the number now, quite the opposite.”

County councillor for Broomley and Stocksfield, Coun. Anne Dale said: “We have a big issue about affordable housing and we have had this over and over again.”

County Councillor for Wooler, Anthony Murray added: “We have had too many instances in which developers have reneged on what they said was acceptable when they got the planning application.”

Members of the planning committee voted to reject the application.