Housing at North Wingfield (Whiteleas) Development
Report of Councillor N Barker, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategic Leadership and Finance.
Exempt Decision Paragraph 3
Decision:
RESOLVED - That Cabinet agreed to the proposed change of tenure mix required on the Whiteleas development at North Wingfield.
REASONS FOR DECISION – Developing the vacant Council owned land at Whiteleas supports the delivery of new homes in the District. Changing the mix supports the Council’s commitment to the delivery of high-quality affordable housing for rent in the District.
OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED – Continuing with existing mix of tenures was rejected, due to risk of sales due to worsening economic and market conditions
Please note that this was not a Key Decision so can be implemented by officers with immediate effect.
Minutes:
Cabinet considered a report proposing the acquisition of a property in North Wingfield for use as temporary accommodation within the Council’s homelessness service.
Cabinet discussed the proposals in the report and the actions taken in the lead up to this meeting. At the conclusion of the discussion Members indicated their support for the proposed approach.
RESOLVED - That Cabinet endorsed the purchase of the property in North Wingfield to help reduce hotel costs and to safeguard the property and local community.
REASONS FOR DECISION – By acquiring the property, the Council will be able to significantly reduce the use of hotels by its Homelessness Service and the associated costs, whilst also increasing its emergency housing capacity, at a time when pressures on the Homelessness Service are greater than ever before.
OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED – Not to take up the option of purchase would mean that a reduction of hotel costs would not be achieved. The property might also be purchased by a new provider. In certain circumstances this could result in Anti-Social Behaviour problems in and around the property.
(Paragraphs 3 & 5)