Issue - meetings

Exempt appendix included.  

AGREED      that Cabinet:

a)            notes the progress of the HRA development programme;

b)            approves the business case for affordable housing acquisition within Newark and Sherwood (in addition to development) utilising the phase 6 development programme budget; and

c)             gives, in principle, approval for the acquisition of eight s106 homes at Collingham, utilising the Phase 6 Development Programme budget, subject to the usual legal due diligence checks, delegating final approval to the Director – Housing, Health & Wellbeing in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and to a maximum value as set out in the exempt appendix.

The Director of Housing, Health and Well-Being was in attendance to present a report to update Cabinet on delivery within the HRA Development Programme and to set out details of the potential for the authority to acquire housing as part of the programme, including eight S106 homes for Affordable Rent tenure, at Station Road, Collingham. Members noted the inclusion of an exempt appendix. The Cabinet considered the report, noting that while it might be preferable to make use of empty properties, it was not always possible to ensure that such houses were up to standard and that it may be cheaper to build new properties.

AGREED (unanimously) That Cabinet:

1)      notes the progress of the HRA development programme;

2)      approves the business case for affordable housing acquisition within Newark and Sherwood (in addition to development) utilising the phase 6 development programme budget; and

3)      approves the acquisition of eight S106 homes at Collingham utilising the phase 6 development programme budget, subject to the usual legal due diligence checks, delegating final approval to the Director – Housing, Health & Wellbeing in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and to a maximum value as set out in the exempt appendix.

Reasons for Decision:

1.      To enable new affordable rented homes to be delivered which meet identified housing need in the district.

2.      To provide a return on investment as set out in the financial evaluation provided.

3.      To replace homes sold to tenants via right to buy.

4.      To deliver housing solutions which meet local needs and aspirations to ensure that our residents have access to a range of housing solutions in the district. 

Options considered:

The authority may choose to develop only and not acquire properties through its HRA programme, however this will limit the flexibility of securing properties where a strong business case for acquisition exists e.g. there is a demonstrable need and limited land availability.

With specific regards to the proposed purchase at Collingham, there is an option for the developer to provide a commuted sum payment however, any receipt would be difficult to spend if restricted to this location.

If the authority does not proceed with the purchase of these properties, the expected benefits set out in the reasons for recommendations section of this report would not be realised.