The Government has “astonishingly” turned down plans for 94 affordable homes in Ipswich.
Ipswich Borough Council (IBC) approved the Ravenswood scheme in Nacton Road in November 2014, but the Government called it in to review in January 2015.
A planning inspector backed the scheme after a public inquiry in September, but yesterday Greg Clark, secretary of state for communities and local government, told the council the proposals were refused for not providing a mix of affordable and market housing.
David Ellesmere, IBC leader, said: “After sitting on the report for more than six months, the Secretary of State has now blocked the application.
“This is astonishing. I cannot think of an application turned down because the housing wasn’t expensive enough.
“The length of time it has taken to take this decision is likely to cost the council millions of pounds in lost rent, grants and increased construction costs, while families have been left languishing on the waiting list.”
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