Issue - meetings

Report number CHSC021 by the Housing Portfolio Holder.   (Enclosure)

DECISION:

To approve the content of the Housing Strategy, subject to minor typographical amendments.

Report CHSC0021 was introduced by the Corporate Governance and Housing Portfolio Holder. It was noted that some typographical errors were still to be rectified within the report. Councillor Carpenter advised Members of the different approach used to create the strategy; involving all stakeholders in the process rather than consulting them once it was complete. The recommendation in the report was then moved and seconded, subject to the typographical errors being rectified.

A debate took place and a number of issues were raised. Concern was expressed regarding the lack of mention of Stamford or the Deepings within the ‘Good for Business’ priority, the Deepings were not included within a graph depicting affordable housing delivery in South Kesteven, and Stamford appeared to have less than half the delivery of that in Grantham and Bourne. The Corporate Head of Sustainable Communities explained that Grantham was deemed a sub-regional centre of the East Midlands region, and therefore received more funding for affordable housing. Bourne was also seen as an urban centre and was taken by the Council to be a priority area. She explained that affordable housing was not led by a target of numbers. Developers might see opportunities, and the Council could not prevent them from applying. However, the Development Control team liaised carefully with developers before any applications for large developments were submitted.

(3.10 pm – Cllr Mike Williams re-entered the meeting).

A Member asked how much notice was taken of population growth. The Corporate Head of Sustainable Communities noted that population growth was considered within the planning framework. Another member questioned a lost opportunity to build new council houses. The Corporate Head explained that although the Council had not directed any builds recently, they were committed to investigating the idea, and the full financial implications.

Members discussed empty properties. It was confirmed by the Corporate Head that private properties were included within the strategy as well as Council stock. A Private Property Housing Policy was already in place, encouraging owners to bring properties back into use by using incentives.

In summing up, the Portfolio Holder of Corporate Governance and Housing suggested that ‘imitation is the sincerest form of flattery’, and noted that another authority had already asked to use the strategy.

On being put to the vote, the motion was duly carried.

Report number CHSC0019 by the Corporate Governance and Housing Portfolio Holder.                                                                      (Enclosure)

DECISION:

That the Cabinet recommend the Housing Strategy for approval by Council.

Considerations/reasons for decision:

1)    Report number CHSC0019 by the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Governance and Housing.

Other options considered:

          Not developing a local housing strategy

The requirement to develop a strategic vision for housing is set out within the Local Government Act 2003 and further defined through statutory guidance “Creating Strong, Safe and Prosperous Communities”.  It is possible to incorporate the housing strategy entirely within the Sustainable Community Strategy, however this was not the approach taken in South Kesteven when the SCS was last refreshed and as such there is a continuing requirement to document the strategic vision for housing in the local area.