Decision details

RESOLVED: (i)         That Option 1 be approved, and the long leasehold sale of all or some of the three sites to housing associations be supported, on the basis outlined in the report and subject to:

a)     Satisfactory planning permissions being obtained for development of the sites as affordable housing.

b)     An alternative playground, plus dedicated public open space being provided to serve the Chapelfields community.

c)      Officers giving consideration, in developing the proposals further, to the requests of the Shadow Executive, that is:

·        that there should be a more comprehensive redevelopment scheme for the wider area in relation to Morritt Close, “as there are two other derelict sites that could be used for affordable housing” (and possibly incorporating improvements to the 68 Club);

·        provision of a communal garden area for the use of existing Morritt Close area residents;

·        designing the scheme to avoid potential overlooking problems in relation to the Dane Avenue proposals.

REASONS:    a)         To increase the stock of affordable family housing in York, to which the Council will have nomination rights, thus helping to meet the housing needs of York residents who are unable to access the private housing market;

                        b)         To respond to the concerns of the Shadow Executive and Ward Members in respect of the proposed developments, and to ensure that a co-ordinated area approach is taken to the developments.

(ii)That approval of the precise boundaries, and the net capital receipt received for the sites, be delegated to the Head of Housing Services and the Corporate Landlord.

REASON:      To avoid unnecessary delay in progressing the sale.

(iii)That the method of calculating discretionary payments to tenants for the loss of use of part of their gardens, as detailed in paragraph 17 of the report, be approved as policy.

REASON:      This will provide a consistent basis for the calculation of such sums should any similar circumstances arise in the future.

Note:   Cllrs Sue Galloway, Macdonald and Reid left the room during consideration of the above item and took no part in the discussions or decisions thereon.