Agenda item

This report provides Members with an update on the HRA new build programme.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning presented the report which provided an update on the HRA new build pipeline programme.  The Capital Programme for 2023/24 Housing Development investment had been established at £4.5m and would fund the construction of 20 apartments at Swinegate, Grantham and four one bed flats at Elizabeth Road, Stamford, both schemes were due to start in the autumn of 2023.  Further schemes were also referenced including a 21 unit development at Larch Close, Grantham due to start in June 2024 and a scheme at Wellington Way, Market Deeping for 14 units, date to be confirmed.  The complexities involved with developing smaller garage sites was recognised and the costs these incurred, also buying back Right to Buy sales may be seen as counter intuitive but they could be the most cost-effective option. 

The Head of Corporate Projects, Policy and Performance reiterated that the report was an update on the housing pipeline programme.  Cabinet had recently approved the start of the Elizabeth Road project and contracts would soon be exchanged.  The Larch Close development was with Planning and there were slight amendments to be made to the development before the application was resubmitted.  Feasibility work was currently being undertaken in respect of the Wellington Way site at Market Deeping together with a few other sites that had been brought forward.

A question was asked about the Larch Close site with reference being made to local opposition when the scheme had first been proposed some years ago and the loss of green space. What percentage of land was being taken up by the new scheme.  It was confirmed that the original scheme was wider than the current proposed scheme which was a far smaller development.  The Head of Projects, Policy and Performance stated that she didn’t have the information to hand but would forward it on to Councillor Steptoe who was one of the Ward Members for the area in due course.

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Information on the size for the Larch Close, Grantham site to be forwarded to Councillor Steptoe in due course.

Concern was expressed by one Member about sites that had been marked for development and the loss of green space, where could Members see what sites were being brought forward.  Reference was made to the sites allocated within the Local Plan and land owned by the Council such as old garage sites. The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning assured the Committee that when plans for new builds were known they would be brought before the Committee.  It was suggested that the item be added as a substantive agenda item.

Questions were asked about land and development, specifically employment land in Bourne and a recent high profile bankruptcy involving a development in Grantham.  One Member asked about how more homes would be delivered especially in light of the rise in homelessness and the lack of housing stock.   The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning stated that this was a critical question and referred to the current situation in respect of housing stock which was currently void due to requiring major works. It was a huge challenge and although new properties were being built where they could be, developing smaller sites was expensive, although changes meant that Right to Buy sales could be reinvested, it was a matter of priority and balance.  It was felt by certain Members that a housing strategy was needed to give real structure to housing before the end of 2023.  The Acting Director of Housing stated that the Housing Strategy was being revised and a draft would come before the Housing OSC before the end of the calendar year.

Further questions were asked about the costs stated, £4.2m in 2023/24 and only £2.8m in 2024/25.  It was stated that due to the late commencement of the schemes underspends had occurred and these would necessitate carry overs, but Officers were confident that the schemes would come in on budget.

A further question was asked about multi occupancy houses for people with special needs and the challenges this involved.  It was stressed that this was more for the private sector but the Acting Director of Housing would speak to the Member outside of the meeting.

Members noted the updated report.