DEVELOPERS building a block of flats in Wokingham have said they will all be sold at affordable prices in a major U-turn.

Maxima Homes had asked council planners for permission to build less than the usually required amount of affordable housing, for a new four-storey block.

The block of 38 flats at Sorbus House, Mulberry Business Park, on Fishponds Road, already had planning permission. Maxima asked for permission to sell just nine of the flats at affordable prices.

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Usually builders must make at least 30per cent of the homes they build in the borough affordable, according to council policy.

But after negotiating with planners at Wokingham Borough Council, all of the 38 flats will now be sold at affordable rates.

Councillor Stephen Conway said: “This is a vindication for us kicking up a fuss. It’s a major triumph.”

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He made the comments during a planning committee meeting on May 21, when councillors voted to approve permission for the changes.

Cllr Simon Weeks said: “This will be a benefit for some of the young people in the borough.”

The site was home to the former office block Sorbus House, which burned down in 2011.