Agenda item

This report seeks to provide Committee with an update on the current new build programme, an overview of recent delivery, and invites Committee’s input and views to the future direction of the Council’s HRA New Build Programme.

The Assistant Director for Housing and Property presented the report which outlined the current position regarding the Council House new build programme and work undertaken over the previous years. The current works over the past three years included:

·       Completion of two sites, completed in May 2020.

·       Current works were taking place at Bourne (Meadow Close), Stamford (Trinity Road) and Grantham (Riverside Walk) which would be completed in the coming months.

·       Plans to deliver schemes to Stamford (Elizabeth Road), which was seeking planning permissions.

It was noted that the Climate Action Working Group had analysed issues around planning regulations and what the Council could do. It was highlighted that the costs to the Council of retrofitting when the requirements are enforced, would be far higher than the current costs to the Council.

It was reported that future Planning Policy around Electric Vehicle charging points required new build homes to have the infrastructure for a charging point to be fitted.

A concern was raised over the high demand of the electricity grid and the risks of it collapsing.

A query was raised on the comparison of figures on expected targets of the Council compared to what the Council had achieved.

The Assistant Director for Housing and Property reported that historically, the regime had been over-ambitious regarding target setting. The Assistant Director for Housing emphasised his confidence in targets for 2022/23 being met.

The Chairman raised a query on the past aspirations of low-cost housing ‘pods’ to reduce the waiting list for new homes.

It was reported that the Council’s aspiration was not for people on the waiting list to live in a ‘pod’, it was for them to live in a house. The aspiration to build as many Council house new build’s was emphasised. An opportunity was raised to build module housing to meet housing needs of residents.

Another query was raised regarding the availability of land to build social housing.

The Director for Housing and Property confirmed that the Council had a good number and variety of sites available. Further opportunities and work with developers could also assist on the supply of sites.

One Member raised concern over the number of bungalows being provided for the elderly community.

It was reported that a review was being undertaken for the allocation policy and would be brought back to the Committee once known. It was highlighted that sites being built at present contained several bungalows with lifetime homes principles meaning further adaptation would not be necessary in the future. A proposed site for the next financial year had been confirmed as sheltered housing for elderly residents.

A concern was raised on mixed accommodation.

It was confirmed that the proposed development would be for elderly residents only and would be review within the allocation policy review.

A query was raised on the allocation of bungalows in Bourne.

It was reported that the bungalows had not yet been allocated and the allocation process would start shortly.

Suggestions were put forward on the alternative options available to build at a lower cost: prefabs, container homes, log cabins and annexes.

The Director for Housing and Property confirmed that costs per units were a good measure. It was noted that value for money was important and this would further be discussed with the Committee.

AGREED:

For the Committee to note and provide comments on the current programme, future programme, and recent delivery information.

It was proposed, seconded, and AGREED for the Committee to reinforce the Council’s declaration of a Climate Emergency and commits to the section 1.6 to 1.9 set out in the report on the paragraph relating to future aspirations.