A MAJOR residential development looks set to be turned down because the developer has not provided enough affordable housing.

The £80 million scheme, known as Hove Gardens, is proposed to be built in Ellen Street, Hove, and would provide 186 flats.

However, in council papers released yesterday, planning officers urged councillors to reject the scheme.

It is due to be discussed by Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee on Wednesday.

Developer Matsim said Hove Gardens would rise to 17 storeys with the block bounded by Ellen Street, Ethel Street, Conway Street and the Brighton and Hove Buses car park.

There will be an underground car park for 67 cars with 1,988 sq m of office space and 226 sq m for shops or small business units.

Council officers praised the scheme, stating that it would kick-start redevelopment in the area.

However, they said councillors should reject the scheme because of a lack of affordable housing.

Their report concluded: “While the proposals have been independently assessed as being viable with 25 per cent affordable housing to an appropriate tenure mix, this has not been agreed by the applicant who is offering 18.8 per cent.

“In these circumstances, the proposals are contrary to the City Plan and refusal is recommended.”

The scheme proposes 188 apartments, consisting of 98 one-bed flats, 70 two-beds and 18 three-beds.

For any scheme of more than 15 properties the council requires the developer to provide at least 40 per cent affordable housing.

Council officers said the developer initially said that zero affordable housing provision was viable based on costs.

However, the developer offered ten per cent which equated to 19 flats split between ten for affordable rent – and nine for shared ownership sale.

The council ordered an independent assessment which found that the full 40 per cent was viable. But Matsim refused and instead offered 18.8 per cent.

A further independent assessment was undertaken, with revised information from the developer, which concluded that at least 25 per cent on site was viable.

But Matsim stuck with the offer of 18.8 per cent.

The Balcombe-based developer argues Hove Gardens would provide employment space for up to 500 people and bring economic benefits to the area and council.

Bosses also said it would raise £300,000 a year in council tax and £230,000 a year in business rates.

The planning committee will meet at Hove Town Hall to decide on the application on Wednesday at 2pm.