CIVIC chiefs have reluctantly given plans to build 13 homes in Kings Worthy the green light.

The existing dwellings at 99, 101 and 103 Springvale Road will now be demolished and replaced with six two-bed, four three-bed and three four-bed houses.

But Winchester planning committee members were left unimpressed after hearing only £30,000 of the total sales would be given to the city council's affordable housing scheme.

Cllr Eileen Berry said: "That amount wouldn't even build a social home. Something tells me this is terribly wrong if we are not getting enough for one social home."

Bryony Stala, associate director of the Savills Planning, working with developer Shorewood Homes, told the meeting that the two-bedroom houses would start at around £400,000.

She said the contribution to the council's scheme is "reasonable in relation to land."

But Cllr Patrick Cunningham, who had just used his calculator, responded: "Now I've just done some quick maths, and it seems you'll be getting £7.25 million for the houses. Is the contributor not willing to pay us more than 0.5 per cent?"

The plans included 15 properties when initially submitted in April 2018, but were altered before committee, and were unanimously approved by eight councillors.

Cllr Cunningham said: "I'm appalled, and I question the moral compass of the developer, but I regret to approve these plans."

Cllr David McLean added: "These houses are beautifully designed, and they will make the people who move in very happy, but it's just a crime shame that a little bit more cannot be done to help our city build more affordable homes."

Richard Wickins, director at Shorewood homes later told the Chronicle the company is "delighted that planning permission has been granted."

He said: "We have worked closely with Winchester City Council over the last 12 months to develop a scheme that was brought to committee with a recommendation to approve.

"It is however disappointing that a debate surrounding affordable housing was held when this had already been discussed and agreed with the council and their external valuer. "We're looking forward to starting on site this summer and building some well designed and attractive family homes."