Despite the recent increase in the Bank Rate, the price of houses continues its relentless monthly rise, making it more and more difficult for young, first-time buyers to find affordable accommodation and increasing the likelihood of negative equity and ensuring the Chancellor larger and larger death duties.
Yet Local Plan Inspector Charles Hoile claims Brighton and Hove City Council's decision that four out of every ten new homes be affordable is too high and that its application to all units more than ten be increased to 15.
He believes that the existing balance will put off house builders as offering them too little profit.
However, the proposed King Alfred redevelopment with its 40 per cent affordable requirement has been given to Southern Housing group.
It is possible, of course, this group tendered for the contract despite the 40 per cent requirement because of its prestigious nature.
Couldn't the allocation of "plum" contracts be dependent on the acceptance of smaller unit ones as well if it is really true house builders are demanding higher profits?
-Reg Jenkins, Hove
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