Issue - decisions

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           Approve expenditure of up to £25,000 from the HRA Investment Fund for developing proposed schemes and budgets for Phase 2 of the Council House Building Programme with the aim of bringing forward up to 46 new council homes.

(ii)          Note that subject to the proposed scheme being considered the best strategic use for the site and being financially viable and value for money, that permission will be sought to appropriate the Heworth Lighthouse site into the Housing Revenue Account.

(iii)        Agree the inclusion of an element of market housing where appropriate on any site where 20 or more new council homes are being created.

(iv)        Note that an extension of the New Build Project Manager post by 12 months will be sought to enable the project management of the construction sites to be funded from the total scheme cost budget for Phase 2.

(v)         Note the longer term strategic ambitions of delivering a greater number of new affordable homes across the city with consideration given to alternative vehicles for delivery and the requirements being considered as part of the ongoing strategic review of council and existing HRA assets.

Reason:     (i)      To allow the council to add a significant number of homes to its existing asset base and help to alleviate the acute housing need in the city.

(ii)     To allow this site to be developed for new council housing whilst generating the appropriate return for the General Fund.

(iii)     To ensure a mix of tenures to create a mixed and sustainable community and to provide cross subsidy to help fund the delivery of council homes.

(iv)    To allow the successful delivery of the project without impacting on the wider Housing Development Team work plan by ensuring the appropriate level of resources.

(v)     To help meet more of the housing need in the city and enabling the delivery of homes in a more effective way.