What will happen next with Townhill Park redevelopment?

Drew Smith, now Countryside Partnership, had drawn up plans for 250 homes across three plots.

But last month they pulled out over fears that rising costs would scupper the scheme.

Now, the city council is looking to end existing agreements on the plots and come up with an alternative plan.

The plots in question are two, nine and 10, on Meggeson Avenue, Rowlands Walk and Copse Road, respectively.

Should the council vote to sever the existing agreement, plots two and nine will be transferred to the affordable homes framework (AHF).

Bids to build these affordable homes would be from Abri Group, Hyde Group, Sovereign Housing Association and Stonewater Ltd - the housing providers who work with the council under the AHF.

Should approval be granted to transfer plots two and nine, they would go out to 'mini-tender' this summer with developers appointed by the end of 2024.

With plot 10, the city council would appoint a developer using a traditional contract.

After considering several options for a permanent solution, the city council rejected the “do nothing” option due to their longstanding commitment to regenerating Townhill Park.

The issue will be discussed at the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee today.

It is the latest chapter in the long-running saga, which began in 2011.

But so far, only 56 homes out of the 665 planned have been completed.

Plot two was due to include 200 flats, made up of one, two and three-bed homes.

Plot nine included 34 flats and 17 houses, while plot ten has 20 houses.

The budget has been reduced to £60million from the previously agreed £144million.

Royston Smith MP was leader of the city council when the plans were introduced.

He previously said the way the scheme had turned out was a 'decades-long disaster'.

Meanwhile, leader of the council, Lorna Fielker, said the withdrawal from the contract was 'disappointing'.