The Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness introduced the report and stated that the brownfield site recommended for acquisition would deliver 23 units with easy access to transport links and local amenities consisting of 19 houses at affordable rent and 4, 1 bed maisonettes at market rent. It was outlined that the maisonettes were currently under the required size to qualify for grant funding, but that this would be looked at by officers post-acquisition, possibly by altering the parking. Each property will have a parking space with electric vehicle (EV) charging points provided.

In response to queries, the Head of New Business and Development advised that 13 of the parking spaces would have EV charging points, with the structure in place for the remaining homes to connect later. The properties would be delivered in accordance with MBC Planning and Building Control legislation.

The Committee entered into closed session at 7.45 p.m. to discuss the information contained within the exempt appendix to the report.

RESOLVED: That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business due to the likely disclosure of exempt information for the reasons specified having applied the public interest test.

During the discussion, the Committee requested clarification on some of the terms and figures in the exempt papers, which were answered by the Head of New Business and Development.

The Committee returned to open session at 7.51 p.m. and were happy to agree the recommendations.

RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to the CABINET:That

1.  The financial returns for the proposed acquisition, as shown in Exempt Appendix 3 to the report, which supports the Housing Development and Regeneration Investment Plan and overall Development Strategy be approved;

2.  The Director of Finance, Resources and Business Improvement be given delegated authority to:

a.  Negotiate terms for the purchase of the proposed acquisition for the sum as shown in the Exempt Appendix 3 to the report;

b.  Procure and enter into all such deeds, agreements, contracts and documents which may be required to facilitate the purchase of the site, and the subsequent redevelopment works required to deliver the scheme referred to in this report. Including (but not limited to) any related appointments such as suitably qualified consultants and a Contractor;

c.  Subject to satisfactory conclusion of all due diligence to negotiate and finalise and complete all legal formalities, deeds and agreements which may be required to facilitate the purchase.

3.  The Head of Mid Kent Legal Services be authorised to appoint the Solicitors required to negotiate and complete the necessary contract documentation, deeds and agreements associated with the purchase and construction works on the terms as agreed by the Director of Finance, Resources & Business Improvement; and

4.  It be agreed, post completion of the procurement process, to appoint a contractor for the works cost detailed in the financial summary at Exempt Appendix 3 to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18