Affordable housing promised as part of a controversial housing development in Mardy will be ‘dramatically reduced’, campaigners alleged this week.

A member of campaign group, Mardy Against Deri Development (MADD), said the developer Persimmon Homes is backtracking on promises ensuring a third of the homes are allocated as ‘affordable’ at a time when house prices in Monmouthshire remain stubbornly high.

The group alleges Persimmon is set to renege on its promise — drastically reducing the number of affordable new homes — by claiming the controversial development is ‘unviable’ if builders are forced to include the 35 per cent of affordable homes.

Beverley Dale, a long-term opponent of the Deri Farm development, said Persimmon’s previous promises have evaporated, despite insisting the target would be met.

“We consistently pointed out that once the developers got the scheme into the LDP [Local Development Plan] then they would start cutting back on the commitments made in order to achieve that status.

“In fact, MADD made representations to the Planning Inspector who reviewed the LDP to the effect the scheme was unviable given the high costs of development.”

Major opposition to the site focused on ensuring pylons were removed and overhead cables laid underground, concessions which Persimmon agreed to prior to getting planning permission for the 250-home development.

“The planning application now being considered by the council provides for 35 per cent affordable home and the detailed plans even show where they are to be located,” said Mrs Dale.

“We now understand that Persimmon have, since making the application, approached the council with a view to going ahead with a much lower number.

“We also understand that the council’s planning department is in agreement.

“The truth is that Deri Farm was never going to meet the council’s requirements and now that the council has no Plan B, the developers are exploiting the strength of their negotiating position in their interests and those of the landowner,” said Mrs Dale.

“There is a strong case for the council sticking to its declared requirements, and if Persimmon pulls out then look elsewhere for one or more developments which meet the council’s declared objectives.

“Recent approval of a scheme at Llanfoist which was not included in the LDP, makes provision for the requisite level of affordable homes.

“If the target for Deri Farm cannot be achieved then the council should see the Grove Farm development in Llanfoist as a model for how to proceed and revisit other sites which would be capable of achieving the council’s objectives and not be forced into an inappropriate development at Deri Farm,” said Mrs Dale.

“The whole affair makes a mockery of the Local Development Plan. Local people are being badly let down.”

Martin Smith, managing director of Persimmon Homes East Wales, said the firm was seeking independent advice.

“Persimmon Homes submitted the planning application on the land at Deri Farm in October 2014.

“The council has engaged the services of the District Valuer, the property arm of the Valuation Office Agency, who are providing independent professional advice to the council on the appropriate level of affordable housing on the site, in accordance with the Adopted LDP.

“Persimmon consider that this application complies with planning policy, by enabling the undergrounding of the overhead cables, providing 250 desperately-needed new homes for the local community, together with an appropriate level of affordable housing and improvements to public facilities.”

Councillor Ralph Chapman, who represents the Mardy ward, said, “I am appalled by all of this.

“At various meetings of the council the subject of the desperate need for affordable is regularly discussed and yet it would seem that Persimmon are about to be allowed to back-pedal on their promises.

“Monmouthshire has one of the highest average house prices in Wales at the same time as local income levels are low. It looks like Persimmon have taken us for a ride.”

"A spokesperson for Monmouthshire County Council said, “The Deri Farm application is subject to on-going viability negotiations, which include affordable housing provision.”