MCCARTHY and Stone Developments have requested to amend a Section 106 Agreement relating to Manaton Court, Launceston after failing to sell any of the affordable properties.

The views of North Cornwall District Council's Planning and Development Committee have been sought and they will discuss the matter at their meeting on Tuesday, January 6.

In February 2007, planning permission was granted to McCarthy and Stone for the development of 32 older persons apartments on the site of Manaton House, Dunheved Road, Launceston.

The Section 106 Agree­ment provided that the development included 11 affordable apartments. The agreement also set out that priority should initially be given to people with a local connection to Launceston and the surrounding parishes and the properties were restricted to those with assets not exceeding 145 per cent of the cost of the affordable property.

The development was completed in September but to date none of the affordable properties have been sold, despite over 30 viewings.

McCarthy and Stone have now requested that the agreement be amended to reduce the maximum sales price from £123,165 to £99,260 and the number of affordable apartments be reduced from 11 to seven. They also wish to amend the local connection cause so that if a qualifying purchaser cannot be found within 12 weeks of marketing commencing the property can be sold without restriction (but still subject to the maximum price and income/asset restrictions).

The committee will discuss the matter on January 6, however it was noted that in the event that the council declines the request it would be open to the developer to submit a formal planning application seeking to vary the terms of the agreement.