A LEADING architect claims that a controversial "bedroom tax" on developers will create a crisis for affordable housing in the Purbecks.

A member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Ken Morgan of Morgan Carey Architects, blasted Purbeck District Council for introducing a contribution fee for developers wishing to build new houses in the district.

The charge, which was announced just before Christmas, came into force on January 1, which saw a rush of applications sent in before the deadline.

The "tax" could cost up to £900 per plot, but some local architects claim when added to a heathland charge, also introduced in the new year, it could deter developers.

Mr Morgan said he believes the tax would lead to applications drying up.

"Because there have been no major developments there have not been any significant contributions from developers which has left Purbeck District Council in crisis," he said. "So they decided to put a huge tax on what developments could be achieved - together with the heathland tax, which charges between £8,000 and £10,000 per new dwelling built within 400 metres and five kilometres of heathland.

"It will make people think very hard before they bring small pockets of land forward for development.

"The larger developers will be able to take it on the chin but in the end it is the afford-able housing that will suffer."

Paul Willis, group manager for transport planning at Dorset County Council, said: "An independent inspector has already expressed concern that new development might serve to exacerbate an already difficult situation.

"The contribution policy will ensure delivery of a transport strategy to enable new development and address these problems for the benefit of residents, visitors and local businesses.

"Without it the Highway Authority would be left with no alternative but to recommend refusal for any development that would increase the level of traffic on the A351 and exacerbate Purbeck's traffic problems."