A WISH LIST for Wallingford could have to be cut back if developers fail to pay sufficient contributions towards local infrastructure improvements worth almost £1m.

St Edward Homes has submitted a planning application for 555 homes and a new primary school at Slade End Farm off Wantage Road.

But negotiations over the total cost of paying for improvement projects – known as developer contributions – appear to be causing a hold-up.

Town councillor Lynda Atkins said: "It looks like developers are concerned about how much the contributions are going to cost, but the town shouldn't be held to ransom like this."

St Edward, a joint venture owned by the Prudential Assurance Company and Berkeley Homes, said it hoped work would start in 2017 once it had been given planning permission.

But it has now emerged that negotiations have been taking place about the amount developers should have to pay towards major schemes to improve the town.

These include £91,300 towards work on a pavilion at the Bullcroft park, £285,000 towards improvements at the Regal Centre, and £249,000 towards increasing health and fitness facilities at Wallingford School and at Abbey Sports Centre in Berinsfield.

Town councillors have received a letter proposing cutting the total of £950,000 after developers suggested there would be difficulty reaching "a policy compliant" level of 40 per cent affordable housing.

Ms Atkins added: "The town council is now being asked to cut back on this list of projects to improve the town.

"It might make more sense to cut one project rather than trying to reduce the cost of each one.

"Hundreds of new homes are going to be built in Wallingford in the near future so this funding is vital – we do need investment in facilities for the town."

In a letter to the town council South Oxfordshire District Council officer Cathie Scotting said: "Following viability work on the scheme it is evident that there will be difficulty reaching a policy compliant level of 40 per cent affordable housing.

"One of the factors affecting viability is the level of infrastructure being sought.

"The total amount for capital projects (excluding on-site provision and maintenance) exceeds £950,000.

"The council will want to find some savings on this figure, and to that end could I request that you identify your priorities, and any projects where you may be able to make some savings."

Earlier this year St Edward issued a statement saying it was hopeful construction work would start in the New Year.

Spokeswoman Sophie Harrison said: "I can confirm that we are currently in discussions with South Oxfordshire District Council regarding our section 106 contributions.

"This is based on a planning application we submitted in September 2014 for 555 new homes and a two-form entry primary school.

"We are working with SODC to determine the application in the next few months and are hopeful of a planning permission towards the end of 2016 that will allow a start on site in the new year."

Berkeley Homes has also come forward with plans for 550 homes at Winterbrook off Reading Road, which have attracted opposition from residents.