Decision details

The Cabinet will be asked to approve a strategy for Council intervention to bring forward new housing to a number of vacant non-Council owned sites with a detrimental amenity / visual impact

The Cabinet Member for Housing presented a report on proposals to acquire three privately owned sites in the Borough for the delivery of new Council homes.

The Cabinet Member explained that a review had been undertaken of a number of long-term vacant, privately owned sites that had a negative environmental and visual impact on their surrounding neighbourhoods.  An assessment of the options had resulted in three sites (site references 1, 2 and 3) being proposed for progression at the current point in time, which would deliver approximately 31 new homes.  The Cabinet Member referred to the current planning position and financial and property issues associated with the three sites, as well as the additional sites referred to in the report which had been identified for potential acquisition and development by the Council in the future.  The Cabinet Member for Finance referred to the potential acquisition costs of site 3, which had recently been the subject of an approved planning permission by a private developer.

In respect of a site in Eastbury ward not referred to in the report, the Divisional Director of Regeneration provided an update on the ownership and planning position of that site and confirmed that officers would review its suitability for inclusion in future phases of the programme.

Cabinet agreed:

  (i)  That the Council enter into negotiations with the landowners for the acquisition of the three sites listed as sites 1, 2 and 3 in Appendix 1 to the report, for redevelopment for housing (Use Class C3);

  (ii)  To authorise the use by the Council of its compulsory purchase powers pursuant to section 17 of the Housing Act 1985, in the event that they were necessary to acquire any or all of the sites listed in Appendix 1; and

 (iii)  To delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Housing and Environment, the Head of Legal and Democratic Services and the Cabinet Member for Housing, to agree terms and a detailed financial cost plan and procure the necessary design, consultancy and related services and works necessary to realise the developments in the manner proposed in the report, and to award and enter into all necessary and appropriate contracts and documentation to realise each scheme.