The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People) providing an overview of the future phases of the HRA Land Review Project and sought agreement to progress with the second phase of the project.

Recommended:-

1.    That the following sites within Phase 2 of the HRA Land Review Project be brought forward for development:-

§  Rochford Road – 15 units

§  Audleys Close – 1 unit

2.    That resident consultation be undertaken and that following completion of such exercise the Deputy Chief Executive (People), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Planning and Public Protection Services, be authorised to finalise the plans and submit a detailed planning application.

3.    That the proposed method of funding for the project from the 2017/18 capital programme to be met from the HRA Capital Investment Reserve, be approved.

4.    That further feasibility work be undertaken in respect of a number of sites that would form future phases of the HRA Land Review Project.

Reason for Decision

The development will have wider community benefits, ensure a longer term revenue income to the HRA and will meet the Council’s ambition for building further affordable housing.

Other Options

1.    Do Nothing – This option considered leaving the existing garage areas in their current underused state. This option would not increase community safety and reduce antisocial behaviour and its associated costs. It also would not meet the Council’s ambition of developing further affordable housing in the Borough. Therefore it does not meet the Council’s corporate priorities.

2.    Transfer Land to a Registered Provider – This option would follow a development route used in previous projects to develop underused garage sites whereby land is transferred to a Registered Provider to develop the site in exchange for nominations rights in perpetuity. This approach means a loss of capital assets and potential future revenue income to the HRA.

3.    Sale of Sites on the Open Market – This option would allow some of the sites to be sold on the open market with the receipts reinvested in the HRA, potentially to be used for future housing development phases. This approach would result in a loss of potential future revenue income to the HRA.

Note:- This is a Council Function.

Eligible for call-in to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee.

Executive Councillor :- Flewitt