Decision details

The report sets out a comprehensive and co-ordinated development strategy to use Council brownfield land to support housing growth and meet housing needs. It includes support for a range of initiatives such as a programme of new build council housing, the development of affordable housing housing for older people, the development of market housing and self-build.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which sought support for proposed new policy measures and actions which were aimed at maximising investment to increase housing choice and affordability. This approach aimed to consolidate and build upon a number of policies which were already operational throughout the city.

Members emphasised the need to ensure that the Council was seen by Government to be doing everything possible to encourage housing development.

The Board highlighted the importance of mixed tenure developments, however, it was suggested that in the current climate, the Council needed to take a flexible approach on such matters.

The potential of self-build projects was acknowledged, however, it was noted that the monitoring and quality control of such projects was required.

Clarification and assurance was provided around how the release of land proposed within the submitted report related to the Council’s site allocation processes.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That alongside the general support provided for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth and housing growth in the city, approval be given to the prioritisation of regeneration areas and ensuring that brownfield sites are developed for housing purposes.

(b)  That a disposal programme be developed for those sites listed

at Appendix 1 of the submitted report, which aims to increase housing supply through redevelopment of brownfield land.

(c)  That the sites listed within Appendix 1a to the submitted report be prioritised to support the new Council Housing Growth programme; or for the development of affordable housing by housing associations, depending upon the outcome of a demand analysis, site specific aspirations and funding availability.

(d)  That self-build in the city be supported and promoted and that the sites

listed in Appendix 1b to the submitted report be prioritised in respect of being released for sale at market value for self-build purposes.

(e)  That a disposal programme be  developed for the sites listed at Appendix 1c to the submitted report.

(f)  That the delegation of a decision to vary the development route for delivery of any of the sites listed at appendix 1 be made to the Director of City Development.

(g)  That it be noted that the sites listed in Appendix 1d of the submitted report already have Executive Board approval for the purpose of increasing the supply of older people’s housing, and that these will be brought forward for market disposal at the appropriate time on this basis.

(h)  That the policy position on the application of commuted sums for the development of off-site affordable housing be noted and that the application of this policy be considered carefully as a means of stimulating brownfield development in areas of greatest housing need.

A number of sites have been identified for housing development through a range of routes identified in the report. The Executive Member has been fully briefed on the recommended routes for delivery of new development on a site by site basis. Ward Members will be briefed on the recommendations for sites within their ward prior to the submission of a report to Executive Board.

None