Agenda item

To receive an update on the proposed development by the HRA across the District.

The Housing Strategy and Operations Manager provided a summary of the report that detailed the progress made on the sites/schemes identified as having potential for the development of new council owned homes. She outlined the current positions in respect of developments at:

·         The Moors, Little Easton

·         Thaxted Road, Saffron Walden

·         Bartholomew Close, Great Chesterford

·         Parkside, Saffron Walden

·         Gold Close, Elsenham

·         Auton Croft, Saffron Walden

·         St Mary’s Close, White Roding

·         Alexia House, Great Dunmow

·         Walden Place

She said that Planners had identified possible development sites that could potentially deliver a further 70 to 80 council homes. She also said that a further four sites had been identified where outline planning permission could be sought and the sites potentially sold off with funds re-circulated. The deadline for the use of the Right to Buy receipts was the end of December but due to Covid-19, Councils had been lobbying the Government for an extension but to date there had been no response.

The Housing Development Manager provided additional updates in respect of some of the listed sites and indicated that in respect of St Mary’s Close, White Roding there was a possible opportunity to clear land occupied by old garages and replace them with car parking spaces.

Councillor Coote asked for an explanation of the strategy of building homes for older people in Great Dunmow rather than for younger people.

The Housing Strategy and Operations Manager said that the main reason was to encourage property down-sizing for older people that would subsequently free up larger properties for younger people.

In response to questions relating to planned completion dates for development schemes, the Housing Development Manager said that, prior to Covid-19, completion dates had been largely as predicted but there had inevitably been some slippage during the pandemic due to supply chain issues and the necessity for social distancing.

Councillor Coote said that there needed to be vigorous communication arrangements in place to publicise that the Council was delivering on time and to explain any hold-ups in both the public and private sector developments.

Councillor Reeve said that in respect of the Local Plan, the Council should be more ambitious in respect of council house building. He said that he recognised the HRA financial restrictions in respect of borrowing.

The Chair indicated that they could look at changing policies for the Local Plan.

Councillor Dean picked up on the borrowing issue and asked for a short note from officers in respect of how much the Council should borrow and referred to the Strategic Infrastructure Group.

The Chair confirmed that this information had been included within the HRA report.

Officers also responded to questions and updated Members on the latest positions in respect of developments at Stebbing, Hatfield Heath, Takeley Day Centre and Hatherley Court.

The Board noted the contents of the report.

Mrs C Mandy and the Housing Development Manager left the meeting at 11.58 am.