Agenda item

Housing and Community Services - The report (C-029-2020-21) sets out the progress that has been made across phases 3 and 4 of the Housebuilding programme

The Cabinet noted the contents of the Progress Report on Phases 3 and 4 and the approach to site selection of phase 5, of the Council House Building Programme.

The Housing and Communities Portfolio Holder, Councillor H Whitbread, introduced the report on the progress of Council Housebuilding.

The report set out the progress that had been made across phases 3 and 4 of the Housebuilding programme that had either been completed, were on-site and were currently being procured.   Subject to the necessary planning consents the pipeline stands at 84 units up to the years 21/22. 

In addition to the pipeline our retained consultant (Metaplan) was reviewing 2 additional sites, St John’s Baptist Church (9-10 residential units for key workers and a community building).  Also, there was an opportunity to purchase some land at below market value in Waltham Abbey to provide up to 10 affordable units.  These sites would be presented at the next Cabinet to recommend progressing to full planning and the allocation of capital funding.

Phase 5 has the potential to deliver approximately 160 properties, again subject to planning consents and the necessary consultation with members and residents.

Councillor Janet Whitehouse was pleased that the report referred to St John’s the Baptist Church and not just St John’s Church.

Councillor Neville welcomed the change in approach, as the original approach could be controversial, and he now welcomed the community led approach. He had asked a question at a previous Council meeting about retro fitting our council houses and was told that it would appear in the bulletin, but it has not appeared as yet. Councillor H Whitbread apologised that they had not got back to him yet and promised to do so.

Councillor Patel said that it was a good news report regarding phase 5.

Councillor Murray said it was a good report. He noted that back in 1982 the council had a housing stock of 13,500 homes, now we have only approximately 6,500 this was a reality check. He welcomed the philosophy behind the phase 5 developments as set out in the report. What a pity we did not follow this philosophy for Loughton Broadway or the retail park. Councillor H Whitbread replied that the right to buy has been a challenge to councils and seen a decrease in our council housing stock and it is something they were conscious off and it was something they wanted to increase and deliver and keep council housing in house. While it provided challenges it also gave people the opportunity to buy homes.

Councillor Heap noted it was a good report but asked about the overspend on damage from trees. D Fenton replied that there would be a report about trees coming to a future Cabinet meeting.

Councillor Wixley was pleased with this approach but wondered what was happening about garage sites as he had some in his ward. He was told that an officer would contact him after the meeting about this matter.

On a more general point Councillor H Whitbread made the point that they were now having a more collaborative relationship with Planning on housing. Her understanding was that garage sites that had been proposed were still being considered.

DECISION:

The Cabinet noted the contents of the Progress Report on Phases 3 and 4 and the approach to site selection of phase 5, of the Council House Building Programme.

Reasons for Proposed Decision:

This report sets out progress made and provides an overview of our future aspirations

Other Options for Action:

This report was on the progress made and was for noting purposes only. There were no other options for action.