Agenda item

To receive a update from the Director of City Development about the progress made in responding to the recommendations arising from the Scrutiny Board’s inquiry into Housing Mix.

The report of the Director of City Development updated the Board on progress made in responding to the recommendations arising from the Board’s inquiry into Housing Mix.

The following were in attendance for this item:

-  Councillor Debra Coupar – Executive Member

-  Martin Elliot – Head of Strategic Planning, City Development

-  Sarah Hellewell -  Principal Planner, City Development

The following was highlighted:

·  Recommendation 3 – More training on viability was planned within the next 12 months.

·  Recommendation 4 – There would be training and workshops for officers with regards to the housing needs assessment.

·  Recommendation 5 – There had been 4 new Neighbourhood Plans developed in the last year and a referendum had been passed to develop one for Wetherby.

·  Recommendation 8 – Housing mix remains a key area of decision.  There was difficulty in achieving the correct amount of 2 bedroom units.  Housing mix is raised at an early stage of planning applications.  There had been an increase in the provision of affordable housing.

·  Recommendation 9 – A report had been considered at Development Plans Panel regarding the effectiveness of the policy.

·  Recommendation 10 – There had been amendments to policy with regards to accessible housing.

In response to Members comments and questions, the following was discussed:

Recommendation 3

·  Developers were challenged with regards to viability on a regular basis and details of the viability of schemes should be made available unless there are exceptional circumstances.

It was agreed that Recommendation 3 remains at Position Status 4 – Acceptable progress made.  Continue monitoring.

Recommendation 4

·  There was a requirement for policies to reflect what needed to be built and what the requirements of developers were.  Requirements for future development were established with advice from estate agents and there was a negotiation process with developers.

·  Planning permission could be refused if the housing mix was not appropriate.

·  Council housing waiting lists are considered with regard to the housing needs.

·  There was a need to provide affordable housing in all parts of the city.

·  The council house programme was focussed on the inner areas of the city. 

·  It was preferred for affordable housing to be provided on site.

It was agreed that Recommendation 4 remains at Position Status 4 – Acceptable progress made.  Continue monitoring.

Recommendation 5

·  Concern that residents did not know about forthcoming Neighbourhood Plans and how more could be done to consult.  It was reported that there was a dedicated Neighbourhood Planning team to provide support.

·  Support for producing Neighbourhood Plans – it was reported that Neighbourhood Plans could differ for a variety of reasons and different solutions were needed for different parts of the city.

It was agreed that Recommendation 5 remains at Position Status 4 – Acceptable progress made.  Continue monitoring.

Recommendation 8

·  Keeping Climate Emergency at the forefront of development.

·  Encouraging families to live in the City Centre and how to develop places in the centre that would be desirable for families.

·  Policy stated that appropriate housing mix was needed ahead of long term need.  There were other factors that affected this. The policy would be reviewed over time.

·  Catching up with the delivery of affordable housing.  This would not be remedied just by Section 106 agreements.  There needed to be more innovative work with registered social landlords.

 It was agreed that Recommendation 8 remains at Position Status 4 – Acceptable progress made.  Continue monitoring.

Recommendation 9

It was agreed that Recommendation 9 remains at Position Status 4 – Acceptable progress made.  Continue monitoring.

Recommendation 10

It was agreed that Recommendation 10 remains at Position Status 4 – Acceptable progress made.  Continue monitoring.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report and discussion be noted.

(2)  That the agreed status of tracking recommendations be approved.