LANDLORDS and developers are urging Bournemouth council to scrap its demand for 40 per cent affordable housing on large developments before the town becomes “unviable.”

They are continuing to lobby the council over the controversial new policy and are warning they may consider legal action to overturn the council’s stance.

The new rules require up to 40 per cent affordable housing on large developments, whereas previously affordable housing was only sought on developments of 15 or more units.

Bournemouth’s biggest private landlord Dave Wells wants the council to consider an alternative plan: “A more effective solution would be to charge developers a set fee per unit based on the floor area of their proposed development and to demand payment before planning permission is granted,” he said.

“That way the council has the financial clout to house people in need immediately and the freedom to build or acquire homes where they are most needed. The charge should apply to everyone – not just developers – and it should be determined each year according to the level of housing crisis."

Planning consultant Ken Parke, who is among those making representations on behalf of local landlords and developers, added: “The council’s shortsighted approach to affordable housing will make it unviable for the development industry to build any new homes here.”

But Cllr John Beesley, head of the planning board, said: “We have an affordable housing policy in place which has been through a public inquiry and approved by a government inspector and found to be sound and deliverable.”

He said the new policy was designed to reduce the housing waiting list, which currently has more than 7,000 people on it.

He added: “While we appreciate the concerns of some developers, 40 per cent is the maximum target and the viability test will mean that for some developments the affordable housing requirement will be reduced or even set at zero.”