A FOURTH bid to replace two 18th century Wantage shop buildings that were demolished three years ago has been thrown out on appeal.

Vanderbilt Homes wanted to build two shops and 24 flats on Wallingford Street to replace the buildings.

The building was home to Blanchard Fabrics, which moved over the road, and James Heating Services, now closed. It was demolished in 2011.

But a government planning inspector said the developer did not offer enough money for local schools, roads and leisure facilities.

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Christa Masters said even though the scheme would contribute housing and bring a vacant site back into use, that did not “outweigh the harm” it would do.

She upheld Vale of White Horse District Council’s decision in March to throw out the plan as it had no affordable housing.

The developer offered more than £130,000 but said it could not give more cash or build more affordable homes as it would make the scheme financially unviable.

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Councillor Jenny Hannaby.

Wantage Town Council’s Jenny Hannaby said: “I am pleased the inspector recognises that developers have to pay towards infrastructure required to support their development.

“I am also pleased that the inspector hasn’t taken into account viability of the site as a reason to override the planning decision.

“Why should the community suffer if the developer has purchased land at a high price? That is their risk, not the town’s.”

Council policies state developments of five or more homes should be 40 per cent affordable, but the inspector did not site this as a reason for her decision.

Vanderbilt offered £81,752 for primary schools and £51,183 for leisure centres.

But the council also wanted £31,884 towards open spaces, £20,280 towards public transport and £58,500 towards infrastructure for Science Vale UK enterprise science business area.

It also wanted £50,576 for secondary schools, £30,000 for special education needs and £150,000 for libraries, museums, waste management and day centre.

The inspector did say the project would “preserve the character and appearance” of Wantage town centre conservation area.

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