PLANS to build 210 houses in a mixed-use development at the former Syngenta site in Fernhurst “fail to deliver enough affordable homes”.

That’s the view of both Fernhurst and Lynchmere parish councils, which have objected that only 10 per cent of low-cost housing is included in the major scheme.

The proposals, which have been called in by the South Downs National Park (SDNP), are to build a mix of houses and flats.

They were accepted in principle as a way to meet the needs for housing on the site, as outlined in the agreed Fernhurst Neighbourhood Plan and the emerging SDNP Local Plan.

But Fernhurst planning committee chairman John Buchanan, told the Herald: “Although we welcome proposals to redevelop this brownfield site, the council has highlighted several significant design shortcomings.

“The biggest sticking point is that only 10 per cent affordable housing is proposed, comprising only flats and no houses.

“This offer is only one fifth of the agreed target figure of 50 per cent affordable housing, subject to financial viability tests. Other comparable developments in the area, but outside the National Park, have recently delivered between two and five times as much affordable housing, proportionately, as this current proposal.

“A failure to deliver affordable housing, on a scale that broadly meets the aspirations embodied in our agreed development plans would be unacceptable, and would raise significant questions over the SDNP’s ability to meet its objectives in building and maintaining ‘sustainable communities’.”

Lynchmere Parish Council responded it supports the redevlopment in principle.

But it objects the general design is sub-standard, there is insufficient infrastructure and providing 21 units of affordable housing is “well below” the SDNP proposed target of 50 per cent for any new development.