Agenda item

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness introduced the report and stated that the Council was proposing to purchase a town centre brownfield site to provide 20 units. Once purchased the Council would seek funding from Homes England via the Social Housing Grant and submit for planning permission based on the report. The Cabinet Member stated that it was a good opportunity to provide high quality, affordable homes. Houses would be more desirable to meet demand for affordable homes but would provide a lower return than a scheme with flats.

In response to queries, the Head of New Business and Development advised the Committee that the Council had previously been successful in applying for higher level funding with Homes England.

The Committee were supportive of the recommendations and continuing to provide affordable housing in the Borough.

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 the report. Including (but not limited to) any related appointments such as suitably qualified consultants and a Contractor; and

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;

4.  A suitably qualified Planning consultant be procured and appointed and then, in conjunction with the project team and consultation with the Portfolio Holder, a planning application be submitted in respect of the redevelopment of the site for the preferred scheme detailed in the report and to deal with all associated planning matters;

5.  Post completion of the procurement process, appointment of a contractor be agreed for the works cost detailed in the financial summary at Exempt Appendix 3 to the report. If in the event tenders for the works cost are in excess of the agreed sum, then officers will return to the Committee/Cabinet to seek further approval prior to the development itself commencing; and

6.  The Head of New Business & Housing Development will, post-acquisition of the site, use reasonable endeavours to bring forward a scheme that will include (at least) some houses and homes for social rent on a financially sustainable basis, subject to the availability of favourable Social Housing Grant funding from Homes England, in consultation with the portfolio holder.