A developer over-estimated the cost of building flats on an old petrol station site in Surbiton by £2.4m, a new report reveals.

And it means more affordable homes may now be included in the plans.

Indigo Scott originally offered to include just one affordable flat in its redevelopment of the former Esso garage in Brighton Road, but Kingston Council officers believe a quarter of the homes - seven flats - could now be designated affordable.

The report by Kingston Council said: "The Council has commissioned a full review of the identified cost plan.

"The review concludes that the development costs have been overestimated by £2.4m and the Council’s viability consultant has advised that on the basis of these figures the scheme could afford in the region of 25% affordable housing."

The developer has provisionally offered 20 per cent of the build as affordable, meaning a family with a £30,000 income could live there.

That is a significant increase on the 3.6 per cent previously offered.

Council policy states half of large developments should come under the "affordable" umbrella.

The scheme, comprising 28 flats and two commercial spaces, has been recommended for approval.

Councillors will vote at a meeting next Wednesday, June 10, at 7.30pm at Guildhall.