A decision on whether to approve plans for an affordable housing development built "exclusively" for key workers has been delayed.

St Albans District Council says it pulled a discussion for 330 homes in Chiswell Green on Monday to allow officers to "consider issues raised by the applicant".

Planning agent Brian Parker has accused the council of failing to have any idea on what the housing need is for key workers in its area.

His client, retired boxer Steve Collins, wants to build homes on his land at St Stephens Farm, which he says would all be designated as affordable and aimed at key workers such as blue light workers and teachers.

But the plans have proven somewhat unpopular with 359 objections and the council recommending refusal because of its green belt status.

The application was due to be decided by the planning committee on Monday (March 28).

However, a council spokesperson said: "The item was removed from the agenda to allow council officers time to consider new issues raised by the applicant. The application will be dealt with at a future committee meeting."

Mr Parker claims the council has not assessed the housing need for essential key workers in its district and has accused officers of "ignoring" evidence he has presented about the need.

The agent also claims council papers suggests key workers find a more "affordable" location than St Albans which he says is "unacceptable".

Mr Parker says key workers can earn too much to qualify for social housing, particularly if on a combined income, but says Addison Park takes steps to make housing cheaper.

He said: "£63,000 makes it very difficult for key workers to get on the market ladder locally, which means they must rent, change job or leave the district.

"However, the household limit for first homes and other home ownership houses at Addison Park is £80,000 and, crucially, the houses are made more affordable and accessible than anywhere else because each one will be discounted by at least a third from the current market rate.

"So, if an average 3-bedroom house is currently £570,000 in St Albans, at Addison Park it will be £380,000."

The housing mix is yet to be determined but the agent says 85 of the 330 homes are likely to be first homes, costing no more than £250,000.

He added: "Addison Park therefore helps key workers bridge the gap between qualifying for the council’s housing schemes and being able to afford their own undiscounted home."