Agenda item

Members received a verbal update from the Cabinet Member for Housing on the new build and acquisition programme.  The supply of housing continued to be a core corporate priority and the programme directly supported the Council’s commitment to supplying homes that were safe, high quality, sustainable and suitable for resident’s needs.

Larch Close, Grantham – Construction was moving forward, a short delay had been encountered in respect of a sewer division but this had been resolved and the development was on track for completion in December 2026.

Wellington Way, Market Deeping – Further ground investigations had found unforeseen conditions due to the historic use of the site.  Additional remedial work would be required and a separate report would be going to Cabinet requesting an increase in the budget.

Toller Court, Horbling – The development was for a three accessible bungalows.  Cabinet had awarded the contract at their meeting in January 2026.  The scheme would incorporate low carbon heating, solar PV and EV charging.

Pipeline schemes were progressing at Kesteven Road, Stamford and Bourne Road, Colsterworth with design, development and early engagement further consultation was planned before the submission of planning permission.

The Council continue to take a hybrid approach combining construction with selective acquisitions where appropriate.  Homes England funding had been secured to support future feasibility work.

The Lumby’s Terrace sales were currently progressing with all properties under offer.  Receipts would be reinvested in to replacement affordable housing.   The housing pipeline was being actively managed and risks addressed through proper governance. 

The report was for noting.

One Member questioned whether the Council had noticed an increase in costs given the current economy and whether this would have a “knock on” effect with regard to the spending that was available.  The Member also asked about St Peter’s House as he had been given various dates which had all now passed.  The Director of Housing and Projects informed the Committee that she would bring a report back to Committee with regard to the St Peter’s House property.

In relation to new builds it was stated that financial assessments were carried out before going out for procurement.  All schemes currently had fallen within the budget estimate originally allocated, if this changed Members would be made updated accordingly.

One Member asked about parking in respect of the Kesteven Road development as the road was narrow and cars parked on the road causing obstruction.  It was confirmed that the new units would have one or two parking spaces provided.

A further question was asked in relation to the properties that Lincolnshire County Council were disposing of and it was stated that Officers from South Kesteven District Council worked closely with Officers from Lincolnshire County Council and were aware of properties being offered for disposal.

A comment was made about the Wellington Way development and what was known about the site which had previously been an RAF base and the condition.  It was confirmed that contaminated material needed to be removed from the site, options had been considered which had included removing one property from the development, but the costs involved would have been extensive as new consultation would have had to be carried out, new plans drawn up, new designs carried out, new planning permission applied for,  It was more cost effective to remove the contaminated material.

The Director of Housing and Projects stated that when the financial assessment was carried out on the site, the additional budget required fell within the original budget allocated to the project so the scheme was still financially viable. The Committee were informed that processes had been changed to ensure all survey work was carried out on site before contracts were procured.

Members noted the update.