A DEVELOPER could find himself having to pay costs if he appeals against building 13 affordable homes in Sutton.

Craven District Council planners turned down Robert Cotterill's request to reduce the number of affordable homes at the former W and JR Thompson (Woodturners) site, off Holme Lane.

And planners will consider claiming back costs should Mr Cotterill, of RSJ Developments, appeal against their decision.

The planning committee agreed Mr Cotterill could build 26 homes on the land last November, provided half were sold at 40 per cent below market value.

But in June this year, Mr Cotterill asked for the number of affordable houses to be reduced to three, although he had told the Herald he could afford up to seven.

Council officers rejected the reduction and advised planners to stick to their guns.

Head of building and planning control Sian Watson said: "We have very strong evidence of the need for affordable housing and the committee is justified in asking for the provision for 50 per cent, given the extent of the housing needs in the area.

"We also need to bear in mind that it is an existing industrial site and we would not normally release this site given the current situation in terms of employment land supply in South Craven. The need for affordable housing is a justifiable exception to this unusual approach."

Mark Peacock, acting for Mr Cotterill, said his client would incur losses close to £200,000, not including the land purchase, if the houses were swapped for an industrial redevelopment scheme.

He also said his client would have no alternative but to appeal.

Members upheld the 50 per cent affordable housing condition when they met on Monday.

Coun Stephen Place said: "This is an employment site and a compromise was reached on the original planning application for 50 per cent affordable housing.

"There was special justification. It had been marketed for two years, but the site was a bit of a mess. It was possibly a bit of a nightmare for potential developers. Now it is a virgin site and will be a bigger carrot for developers and I think it would now be ideal.

"I have sympathy with the applicant, but, personally, if the 50 per cent is reduced I would rather keep the site for employment."

Coun Ken Hart agreed and also pointed out that the council had received 41 applications for affordable homes from first-time buyers in Sutton.

Planning committee chairman David Ireton said: "This goes beyond the affordable housing survey. Forty-one people are on the list waiting. What more evidence does the developer want?"

Mr Cotterill will now have three months to sign a legal agreement to provide 50 per cent affordable housing or his application will be refused. Members also made a condition that the council will consider claiming costs if he chooses to appeal.