Decision details

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Planning and Property which provided an update on the progress of the South Ribble Home Build project and sought approval to progress with site investigations on three identified sites, utilising One Public Estate (OPE) Land Release Funding (LRF). The report also sought approval to commence a procurement process to secure a Registered Provider partner to deliver and manage new housing on the three identified sites, utilising the Commuted Sums funding pot.

The Home Build concept was aligned to a wider plan transforming the Borough and City Deal, to build modular homes on relatively small sites of under-utilised Council owned land, quality homes to be targeted at identified housing need.

Decision made: (Unanimously)

1.    That Cabinet approves the release of the following three sites to undertake immediate site investigations for residential development:

·         Bridge Road/Todd Lane, Lostock Hall

·         Kingsfold Drive, Penwortham

·         Balcarres Green, Leyland

2.    That Cabinet approves the continued exploration of other Council assets for the Home Build project.

3.    That the procurement of specialist financial and legal advisors to support development of a Full Business Case for establishing a Council House Development Company, utilising funding (25k) identified in the 2018/19 budget be approved.

4.    That Cabinet approves the principle of utilising the Commuted Sums funding to contribute towards build costs to deliver affordable housing for rent.

5.    That Cabinet approves the principle of procuring a Registered Provider partner to develop and therefore manage the development, subject to detailed terms being reported back to Cabinet.

Reason(s) for the decision:

1.    The report is required to secure approval to the principle of releasing the Council owned sites, to undertake site investigations on three of those sites immediately, utilising OPE/LRF funding in preparation for procuring a development partner to build and manage modular built housing. In addition, continue to explore options for the fourth site seeking to maximise the financial and social value of public sector assets in the vicinity.

2.    This initial phase of development will be progressed alongside development of a Full Business Case (FBC) to support the roll out of the South Ribble Home Build programme and Company delivery vehicle, in line with the Corporate Plan and Campus Strategy.

3.    On-going strategic asset review will seek to establish a portfolio of Council owned small-medium sized sites, suitable for residential development which will provide a future pipeline for development via the Company structure to be developed as outlined in the report.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

If progress is not made in taking forward an initial tranche of sites within the overall Home Build concept, then further OPE/?LRF funding will not be forthcoming., the funding already received is likely to be withdrawn and the Council will suffer reputational damage for failure to deliver and spend grant allocation.