AN application to build 14 homes in Worcester has been deferred until later this month because of a row about affordable housing.

Worcester city councillors originally refused outline planning permission in July for the demolition of three commercial units, which form a terrace along White Ladies Close, with 14 homes to be built in their place.

The plan for 12 houses and two coach house-style apartments was rejected, against the advice of the council's planning officers, because there was no provision for affordable housing.

According to the emerging local development framework, developments of 12 or more should include 40 per cent affordable housing.

However, in this case, the developer believes it would be financially unviable for it to provide that level of affordable housing.

An appeal against the decision is due to be heard at a public inquiry on Tuesday, February 5 but an identical scheme was meant to be put before members of the planning committee on Thursday, January 10.

At the meeting, planning officer Alan Coleman said he had hoped an independent assessment of his report would have helped clear up the issue.

Instead, he said, the applicant's response to the independent report had come too late for him to consider so he deferred it until Thursday, January 31.

Coun Bob Peachey said he thought the committee should not back down on the issue.

He said: "Affordable housing is for all developments. I'm not interested in whether the developer has bought the land at the right price and can't afford it.

"I would expect our planning department to be robust about this matter and not concede any ground whatsoever."