Ely Homes On New Estate Being Downgraded As They Won't Sell

HOUSES on Ely s biggest new estate are not selling – so the homes still to be built are being downgraded. In 2005, Barratt Northampton was given planning permission to build 378 homes around King s Avenue, off the Prickwillow Road, but they have told pla

HOUSES on Ely's biggest new estate are not selling - so the homes still to be built are being downgraded.

In 2005, Barratt Northampton was given planning permission to build 378 homes around King's Avenue, off the Prickwillow Road, but they have told planning officers they are unable to sell the next "phase" of their development - a series of executive three-storey townhouses and apartments. Plans to replace them with smaller sized, terraced one-and two bed homes have been submitted to the council and are awaiting a decision before June.

The change was made, claims Barratt Northampton manager Ben Thorington, "in order to reflect buyers' preferences and demands in the current housing market and purchaser difficulty in obtaining finance to purchase certain property types given the prevailing economic climate."

"Our experience at our third phase of development at Cathedral View indicates that apartments and large three-storey town houses will not sell," added Mr Thorington.

54 new homes and more than 80 car parking spaces are due to be built - in a majority of one and two-bed apartments, because the developer cannot afford to build the three storey townhouses in the style given the go-ahead by council officers four years ago.

Barratt has already passed 34 of the built homes to affordable housing outfit The Jephson Group.

Comments on the application can be made in writing to East Cambs District Council before April 17.