Commercial Project Decision
To consider the report of the Director of Strategy and Resources (copy enclosed).
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The Council considered the report of the Director of Strategy and Resources providing an update on the progress of a commercial project and seeking Members’ decision on the next steps.
The report provided background information regarding the Council’s Affordable Housing needs, including the lack of affordable housing stock across the district. Members noted the Council’s decision in August 2020 to purchase land specifically for affordable housing development and the work of Officers and the Corporate Projects Board since then. Following the agreement in July 2021 by the Strategy and Resources Committee to enter into a ‘Option Agreement’ and in November 2021 the Council had done so. A detailed update was provided in respect of progress with submitting a planning application on the related site, Homes England grant funding and work with Registered Providers (RPs).
At this point the Chairperson reminded the Council that this report was not a planning application but presenting commercial decisions for consideration by Members.
The report set out three options which Members considered and debated. A number of Members raised concern as to whether the proposal now met the objectives set by the Working Group and the net costs to the Council.
During the debate Officers were praised for their work on this project and the report which had been brought forward.
The Chairperson then proposed an amendment to recommendation c) as set out in the report adding to it “and maintain all intellectual property in house and do not sell to any outside bodies”. This proposal was duly seconded.
In response to questions the Commercial Manager and Interim Chief Finance Officer provided the Council with details of the proposed housing mix and further update.
The Chairman then moved that recommendation c) as amended be agreed. This was unanimously agreed by the Council.
RESOLVED that the Commercial Project be stopped, and the Council maintains the intellectual property in house and not sell it to any outside bodies.