Landowners Trinity College, Cambridge, want to halve the amount of affordable housing they are required to build as part of a new 385-home estate on the edge of Felixstowe.

Under current policy, the wealthy college should provide one-third of the homes – 127 – as affordable, but says this is not viable and wants to reduce it to 17% of the total properties.

Council officers have examined confidential documents outlining the cost of building the development at Walton Green North, in Walton High Street, and the profit which would be generated and, having taken expert independent advice, disagree with Trinity College.

In a report, planning case officer Liz Beighton said: “The council agrees with the applicant that at the policy requirement level of on site affordable housing the scheme is indeed unviable.

“The council, however, disagrees with the applicant over the level of affordable housing that can be accommodated, concluding that the scheme can provide 119 units on site, which amounts to 30.9% on site provision.

“The planning committee will note that this is a significant difference between both parties. The applicants have been advised of the council’s findings, however have not sought to deviate from their initial stated position.”

The committee will meet on Monday, April 24, to consider the position – and are being recommended to approve the development with a legal agreement to secure 119 affordable homes.

Ms Beighton said: “Whilst this figure is lower than that purported in policy, the difference is only slight (a reduction of eight units), and this level would ensure that a good complement of affordable housing is provided alongside the other benefits of the scheme including the link road and relocation of the rifle range.”

The developers, who already have permission for 190 homes on Walton Green South on the other side of High Street, will also be asked to contribute a sum towards a new primary school and pre-school for the area.

The 30-acre Walton Green North field was previously earmarked for a Tesco superstore but permission was refused.

The current scheme includes a new park and other public open space between Walton High Street and Candlet Road, and conversion of stables to business units.