Agenda item

To inform the Committee of the new HRA Acquisition and Disposal Policy which sets the framework for the way in which we acquire and dispose of land or assets to and from the Housing Revenue Account.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning presented the report which concerned a new HRA Acquisitions and Disposal Policy which established a framework for the way in which the Council acquired and disposed of land or assets to and from the Housing Revenue Account.   The Policy was a standard policy based on best practice and was in line with the Corporate Assets Acquisitions and Disposal Policy and gave a clear framework and transparency around the decisions taken.

The Acting Director of Housing stated that there were some assets within the HRA estate which lent themselves to disposal and the policy gave a framework to undertake this work.  The disposal of assets would help to fund future development or extensive remodelling programmes within the HRA.  He referred to some assets which were “resource hungry” and from a business perspective the Council wouldn’t want to keep due to their cost, but they were important or sought after properties on the open market.  There were some informed decisions to make around some properties as well as small parcels of land within the HRA estate and the report sort the Committees support before the policy went to Cabinet.

Discussion on the policy followed with Members supporting the document and giving examples where the costs of keeping properties in good repair did not out way the benefits in terms of value for money.  Reference was made to the recent news coverage of RAAC (reinforced, autoclaved aerated concrete) did the Council have any properties made from this material.  It was stated that the material was not use widely in the housing sector and proactive work was being undertaken to identity any properties which may fit the criteria. 

One Member made reference to including consultation within the policy with local communities in respect of land that was either a common green space or play areas to protect these areas.  She felt that consultation should be undertaken with the relevant Ward Member and the public.

The Acting Director of Housing stated that these areas did not tend to be within the HRA estate, requests for land were often to enable a garden to be extended.   Further discussion followed with regard to the conflict of protecting the environment and quality of life and building new homes and various examples were given by Members in relation to park areas within the district.   A question was asked about Beeden Park within the Earlesfield Ward and whether it was HRA land.  The Acting Director of Housing stated that if the Member could confirm the exact location, he would come back to the Member outside the meeting.

Further discussion then followed in respect of derelict garage sites.  The Acting Director of Housing indicated that the garage sites were being surveyed to see what opportunities there were for development and referenced the proposed new build at Elizabeth Road, Stamford which was an old garage site.  Not all sites were viable due to their location and a lot of survey work was still to be carried out, it was suggested that viable options could be brought to the Committee in the New Year.

Modular building on garage sites was then raised and it was stated that these often had high costs due to the need to redirect services to sites to enable works to be carried out which made the costs prohibitive. The use of modular building and energy efficiency was always being explored and a HRA Development Officer had recently been appointed to explore the viability and plans for sites and to explore the technology available.

One Member asked if reference could be made within the policy to the protection of green spaces which were deemed to be a community asset if disposal or buying was being considered, with consultation being carried out with relevant parties prior to making any decision. The Acting Director of Housing stated that he would add suitable wording to the policy to this effect and circulate it.  

Recommendation

The Committee notes the HRA Acquisition and Disposal Policy is in line with best practice and will provide clear operational guidance and recommends that the Acting Director of Housing make alterations and amendments to the Policy to incorporate comments arising from the Committee discussion, for submission and adoption at Cabinet.