Decision details

Purpose of the Report: To present proposals back to Executive in line with the Executive decision of 7th December 2016, to seek a developer/s or alternatively for the Council to undertake development for housing of approximately 8 acres on the Lowfield Site.

Members will be asked to: To consider proposals to deliver housing on the Lowfield site as part of the Housing Delivery programme which will be considered at the same Executive meeting.

Regulation 5 and 10 notices as to why it has not been possible to give 28 clear days’ notice of the intention to make the Key Decision or the intent to hold part of a meeting in private have been posted, but in summary, it has not been possible to give 28 clear days’ notice of the intention to make the Key Decision for the following reasons:-

Proposals to deliver the Lowfields scheme were originally contained within the report on the Housing Delivery Programme due to be considered on the same agenda. It is necessary to separate the report to give Executive the opportunity to separate the strategic direction in the Housing Delivery Programme report from the specific delivery proposals within the Lowfields report.

The Lowfields report will contain confidential financial information regarding the delivery of the scheme which could prejudice the financial interests of the council were it to be published.   

The Lowfields scheme needs to be considered on the same agenda as the broader report.

Resolved:  (i)      That Option 1 be approved and existing project management resources be used to undertake the procurement of a construction contractor and related support services, in compliance with all relevant procurement legislation, for the residential development , associated infrastructure and public space works at the Lowfield site, in accordance with planning permission once this is received.

                   (ii)      That it be noted that:

a)   A detailed business plan for the development of the site will be brought back to the Executive before a contract is entered into;

b)   The intention is for the Housing Development Contractor to be the employer for the purposes of the contract, subject to Executive approval of its establishment.

(iii)     That the high level business case for Lowfield to exceed the planning policy level of affordable housing be approved, with the precise level of affordable housing to be determined at the point when the detailed business case is considered.

(iv)     That approval be given to recruit of a Development Project Manager to aid the delivery of residential redevelopment and associated infrastructure at Lowfield.

(v)     That the steps required and the timescale associated with the commencement of development at Lowfield be noted.    

Reason:     To progress with the building of much needed new homes in York.