Issue - meetings

Report of the Assistant Director of Property and Housing attached.

RESOLVED (Unanimously)

That:

1.    Cabinet grants approval to undertake a full options appraisal for the development and delivery of this site to provide affordable and/ or mixed use housing.

2.    a further report be provided to Cabinet detailing a full business plan and investment options for the scheme.

3.    Cabinet grants approval of an application to One Public Estate, usage of Section 106 monies and the exploration of other funding schemes to help fund the development.

Councillor Colin Clark, Cabinet Member (Corporate Support and Assets) presented the report of the Assistant Director of Property and Housing that brought forward a proposal for the future use of a brownfield site in Bamber Bridge for development. The report also updated the Cabinet on the consultation exercise that had taken place and proposed next steps.

Although it was argued by Members of the opposition that the air quality of the area needed to be addressed, it was considered that the development of this site was long overdue and has the potential to provide, affordable homes for residents of the Borough. A full business case containing a full options appraisal for their delivery would be brought back to a future meeting for consideration that would include details of a funding bid to One Public Estate, use of Section 106 monies and bids for other funding streams that are to be explored as part of the business planning process.

Councillor Caroline Moon, Cabinet Member (Neighbourhoods and Streetscene) welcomed the proposals as the Council recognised the need for one and two bedroomed homes that were affordable to its younger residents.

It was proposed by Councillor Caroline Moon, seconded by Councillor Colin Clark and 

Decision made (Unanimously)

That:

1.    Cabinet grants approval to undertake a full options appraisal for the development and delivery of this site to provide affordable and/ or mixed use housing.

2.    a further report be provided to Cabinet detailing a full business plan and investment options for the scheme.

3.    Cabinet grants approval of an application to One Public Estate, usage of Section 106 monies and the exploration of other funding schemes to help fund the development.

Reason(s) for the decision:

The decision taken will work towards addressing the current Housing requirements for the residents of the Borough, and will ensure the Council receives Value for Money in the use of its assets and investments.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The Council could choose not to develop the site and retain it as temporary car parking. However, this would require some form of investment in the surfacing of the site should it remain as permanent parking. This is not recommended as there are alternative more pressing demands around the need for affordable housing, and this would not meet the best value principles of the use of council assets. Initial financial viability indicates that financial return for car parking would not provide ‘value for money’.