Issue - meetings

Further to Minute 53 (13 November 2012), Councillor Geddes presented a report on the latest proposals to use vacant or under-used Council land as potential development sites for new Council housing.

Councillor Geddes advised that approximately 200 - 250 Council houses were being lost each year as a consequence of Right to Buy while a number of the Government’s policies were increasing homelessness.  The proposals within the report to develop a further 14 sites would help to address the shortfall and increasing need for temporary accommodation, as well as the Council’s ambition to expand shared ownership opportunities for local people.

Councillor Geddes confirmed that further reports on each of the potential 14 development sites would be presented to Cabinet once full feasibility studies had been carried out.

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Agree the bringing forward of the 14 new infill sites for residential development in addition to the remaining sites agreed by Cabinet under Minute 53 (13 November 2012) as listed in the report, subject to further feasibility and planning work to determine the number of new units and funding arrangements and consultation with relevant Ward Members;

(ii)  Agree that the sites at Sugden Way, Mellish Close, Naseby Road and Woodward Road be used as temporary housing sites, subject to further feasibility and planning work to determine the number of units and funding arrangements;

(iii)  Agree to cease the letting of garages on the infill sites listed in the report with immediate effect;

(iv)  Delegate authority to the Strategic Director for Growth and Homes, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Finance and Investment, the Director of Law and Governance and the Cabinet Members for Finance and Regeneration, to agree terms and detailed financial cost plans and procure the design, consultancy and related services and works necessary to realise the developments proposed in the report, and to award and enter into all necessary and appropriate contracts and documentation to realise each scheme;

(v)  Delegate authority to the Strategic Director for Growth and Homes, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Finance and Regeneration, to determine the prioritisation of the 14 sites listed in the report and the remaining sites from the November 2012 report taking into account factors such as the outcome of public consultation, the likely delivery timescales and funding availability;

(vi)  Approve the commencement of further capacity studies and concept design work for the former Weighbridge site adjacent to the Goresbrook Leisure Park and note that a further report will be presented to Cabinet to decide on the final development options;

(vii)  Approve the commencement of further capacity studies and concept design work for the Transport for London owned Gale Street site adjacent to Becontree Station with a view to acquiring the site for residential development and note that a further report will be presented to Cabinet to approve the terms, development parameters, delivery options and funding proposals;

(viii)  Agree, in principle, to the site at 90 Stour Road being included into the Becontree Heath Master  ...  view the full minutes text for item 122