PLANS to convert two Portslade bungalows into 12 flats may be at risk because the developer is taking too long to conclude an agreement with the council.

The delay appears to revolve around a “developer contribution” – also known as a section 106 agreement – with four flats earmarked for affordable housing by planners.

Now Brighton and Hove City Council is preparing to set a four-month deadline to finalise terms or withdraw the conditional planning permission granted in February.

The council’s planning committee is being asked to decide whether to set the deadline – for Friday, January 4 – at a meeting next week.

The committee approved outline plans for the site in Trafalgar Road, Portslade, nearly seven months ago.

The plans involve knocking down 113 and 115 Trafalgar Road, at Southern Cross, and building eight one-bedroom flats and four studio flats.

In 2016 a similar application was refused on appeal after the developer failed to submit a section 106 agreement.

The council is seeking to provide four “affordable” homes for rent as well as money for schools, transport and employment.

The council also wants a commitment from the developer, Mr H Cooper, of Trafalgar Road, Portslade, to the local construction training and employment strategy. This would entail 20 per cent of the staff employed for demolition and building work coming from the local area.

According to a report to the council’s Planning Committee, an official contacted the developer’s solicitor last month but was told that the site was for sale.

A decision on the Trafalgar Road scheme is expected when the Planning Committee meets at Hove Town Hall on Wednesday (12 September). The meeting is due to start at 2pm and will be open to the public.