THE scheme to convert Minehead’s former Periton Mead school into 31 homes does not include any affordable housing or contributions towards the community, West Somerset Council’s planning committee was told last Thursday.

Officers had recommended approval for the Grade Two listed manor house to be converted into 14 flats plus 17 homes in the grounds.

But Cllr Andrew Hadley told the committee that in going against the council’s planning policy, the developer, LLK Property Ltd, was “brushing affordable housing requirements under the carpet in favour of corporate profit”.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Hadley, who is not a member of the committee, told the Free Press: “If we are going to give up prime green belt land like this, it must be for the benefit of the local people and not for the profit of faceless developers.”

He said the affordable housing contribution from the project had been calculated at nearly £1.5 million.

“As a council we are desperately trying to bring affordable housing schemes together while private developers are walking away scot-free on technicalities.”

A total of 21 objectors to the scheme included Minehead Town Council and Minehead Conservation Society, who claimed it would bring over-development, the risk of flooding and affect the character of a listed building.

Other objections included higher traffic volumes, lack of facilities and bus services and threats to highway safety.

The committee agreed that, in principle, the main building was suitable for conversion into flats but voted to defer decisions on viability, design, parking and drainage until a future meeting.