Decision details

Note the approach to supporting the acceleration of housing growth detailed in the report.  To approve the approach to working with partners locally to support the Breakthrough Project and requests to government for specific measures to further support delivery.

The Director of Environment and Housing and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report which presented the overarching and strategic approach which was being taken by the Council towards the delivery of housing growth and job opportunities for young people across the city, in line with the objectives of the ‘Breakthrough Project’ in the same field.

Members welcomed the submitted report, including the contents of the draft letter, as appended, which was addressed to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, subject to the addition of Councillor D Blackburn’s name to the correspondence.

The Board noted the actions being taken by the Council to utilise brownfield land in order tosupport the acceleration of housing growth, and discussed further ways in which the Council could operate as a catalyst for the development of brownfield land for the purposes of increased housing provision.

The Board also acknowledged and welcomed the work being undertaken in this area as part of the overarching Breakthrough Project regarding ‘Housing Growth, and Jobs for Young People’.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the approach towards supporting the acceleration of housing growth, including through the use of Council owned brownfield land, be noted;

(b)  That the approach to Government in respect of Housing Revenue Account borrowing and the use of the ‘Right to Buy’ receipts, via the letter appended to the submitted report, be approved, subject to the addition of Councillor D Blackburn’s name to the correspondence;

(c)  That the approach in respect of working with partners locally in order to support the ‘Breakthrough Project’, beginning with an event to be led by the housing growth team in the summer, be approved.

Working locally, the Council will hold an event in the spring with developers and providers to develop consensus and gain support for the Breakthrough Project to deliver homes and generate job opportunities through this investment.

Consultation with the Executive Member Neighbourhoods, Planning and Personnel and Ward Members