Hopes that the developers of the former cafe in Market Place in Ross could be persuaded to give a donation of £7,560 towards improvements at Wilton Sports Centre were dashed at the meeting of the Southern Area Planning sub-committee on Wednesday, January 9th. The application to demolish 13 Market Place, to construct a new shop at ground level including the ground floor of number 12 and to construct 12 flats above was deferred at the meeting of sub- committee in December to allow time for the the members of Ross Town Council to give their opinions. The Town Council was concerned that as the flats were described as 'family homes' that it was 'unrealistic not to consider provision for parking' They also suggested that affordable housing should be included in a development of this size and that they should be consulted on the benefits of a section 106 agreement. Local member Councillor Anne Gray said that that the Parks, Countryside and Leisure Development Manager considered that a contribution to sports facilities in the town should be considered of £630 per dwelling, which would be a total of £7,560. She said:?"There could be 20 people living in these flats and this would be a great contribution to Ross." Local Member Councillor Phil Cutter said:?"This is a large retail outlet and any development in this area would be welcome, The 106 agreement should be made as the people who will live there will use services in Ross, the developer should give this amount." Peter Yates, the Development Control Officer said:? "This development falls below the threshold at the current time. The new SPG is not yet adopted and it would be unreasonable to impose a 106 agreement before the policy is adopted." Councillor Jenny Hyde said:?It always seems to be Ross that misses out on any funds. When the UDP was being drafted we were encouraged to lean towards the new plan and we should try to get something from the developers." Councillor Phil Cutter said:?"Ross is losing out as usual, this is significant development in the town centre, perhaps the developers may make a voluntary contribution. It is a shame that by the time we can impose 106 agreements there will be nothing left in Ross to use them on