Agenda item

This report makes recommendations regarding the progression of BCP Councils direct delivery housing response through CNHAS,

1.     its drive towards the People & Communities key objective of “ensuring everybody can live in good quality, sustainable and affordable homes”

2.     the pressing challenges posed by Homelessness and our robust acquisition & development response.

3.     the social rent preference where possible in lieu of affordable rent - Hillbourne housing project leading the way!.

The report highlights 5 ‘critical aspects’ for this progression:

·    Key projects - 7 major Housing projects to be achieved (some completed but all to have started construction works) by 2028, refer para-2.1.

·    Key Construction & planning commitments - those schemes either currently being built, have yet to be contractually committed to or be submitted for planning approval.

·    Key partnerships - Homes England, DLUHC (department of Levelling up Housing & Communities), Royal Foundation & various development & construction parties!

·    Key Context – new Local Plan, 5-year BCP Council Housing Strategy - including Homelessness and the significant Temporary/move -on accommodation response needed – all led by the Housing Delivery service within the newly created directorate of Investment & Development.

Key Successes – safe, sustainable homes & learning from Completed schemes and acquisition programmes.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'E' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report made recommendations regarding the progression of BCP Councils direct delivery housing response through CNHAS,

1.    its drive towards the People & Communities key objective of “ensuring everybody can live in good quality, sustainable and affordable homes”

2.    the pressing challenges posed by Homelessness and our robust acquisition & development response.

3.    the social rent preference where possible in lieu of affordable rent - Hillbourne housing project leading the way!.

And that the report highlighted 5 ‘critical aspects’ for this progression:

·    Key projects - 7 major Housing projects to be achieved (some completed but all to have started construction works) by 2028, refer para-2.1.

·    Key Construction & planning commitments - those schemes either currently being built, have yet to be contractually committed to or be submitted for planning approval.

·    Key partnerships - Homes England, DLUHC (department of Levelling up Housing & Communities), Royal Foundation & various development & construction parties!

·    Key Context – new Local Plan, 5-year BCP Council Housing Strategy - including Homelessness and the significant Temporary/move -on accommodation response needed – all led by the Housing Delivery service within the newly created directorate of Investment & Development.

·    Key Successes – safe, sustainable homes & learning from Completed schemes and acquisition programmes.

In presenting and proposing the report the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services expressed thanks to Nigel Ingram who had recently left the council for all his hard work and pivotal role in building the Housing Delivery team and the CNHAS programme.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve: -

(a)           A revised capital budget (Total scheme Cost) of £33,360,000 for the Hillbourne Housing project, previously approved in 2018 and in April 2022, for 110 homes;

                        i.         Awarding the build works for the 110 home Hillbourne housing project and satisfying outstanding planning conditions etc, to Wates Residential in the sum provided in the confidential section of this report.

                       ii.         The delegation to the relevant Service Director, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer of the authority to enter into the Contracts for build works with Wates Residential, provided that all key parameters (including delivery within the approve capital budget) are met.

                     iii.         Resolves that the Council as local housing authority appropriates the land shown edged red on the plan annexed at Appendix 7 for housing purposes pursuant to section 19 of the Housing Act 1985. The transfer of land shown edged red on the plan annexed at Appendix 7 from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) to enable the development of the affordable housing.

(b)           BCP Council execute the Deed of Variation to the Homes England Agreement entitled Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (5069) - AHP 21 - 26 Grant Agreement (LA), previously approved at September 2022 Cabinet & Council meetings; and

(c)           BCP Council execute the Grant Agreement (Local Authority) in relation to the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme 2023 –2028.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Housing and Regulatory Services

Reason

To effectively contribute to the relevant Key Objectives of

1.              ensuring everybody can live in good quality, sustainable and affordable homes

2.              ensure the most vulnerable receive the care they need to feel secure and supported – Extra care & specialist housing.

3.              Meeting future growth needs.

4.              Preventing homelessness and rough sleeping.

5.              Improving housing options, opportunities and choice for all.

6.              Empowering and co-creating neighbourhoods where residents wish to live and be part of the community.

7.              Improving safety and sustainability across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s housing.

8.              to directly deliver against the Corporate Strategy target of building at least 1,000 new homes on BCP Council owned land/property (sites) over the next 5 years