DEVELOPERS have been criticised for failing to deliver affordable homes.

During a planning meeting discussing the final phase of a 440-home development on land next to Ford Dunton, off the A127, it emerged none of the 237 properties which have already been built on the site have been earmarked for social housing – despite a legal agreement between Basildon Council and the developers.

As part of an agreement, Bellway Homes was asked to earmark 25 per cent of the properties for affordable housing, but instead opted to make a financial contribution.

The developer claims it was unable to reach a deal with a housing association, which would be responsible for filling and managing the affordable homes.

Bellway will pay Basildon Council £734,392 to cover the final phase of 163 homes, which will be used for the council’s own housebuilding programme elsewhere.

Mark Ellis, Ukip councillor for Laindon Park, slammed the Tory administration for failing to ensure the agreement – which states 118 homes on the Dunton Fields should be affordable – was met.

He said: “I do not accept the developer was unsuccessful in entering into a suitable contract.

This surely is the key role of the council to ensure such arrangements and contracts are in place.

“This is setting a precedent for all future applications and that means zero affordable housing.”

Pat Rackley, leader of the Independent Labour group, added: “We have seen lots of situations where this same thing has happened. I have always been very suspicious of such agreements.

“A lot of residents can’t afford to get on the property ladder, so affordable housing is key.

“I’m a big believer in developments having a big variation of property types.”

Bellway Homes also has to make payments of £319,460 towards education and £102,664 for childcare places.

Basildon Council’s crossparty planning committee gave the green light for work on the latest 163 homes to start.

Three Tory members voted in favour of the development, while Labour and Ukip abstained from the vote.