Decision details

15.1

The Executive Director, Communities, submitted a report on funding secured by Sanctuary Housing Association from the Homes and  Communities Agency (HCA) Affordable Homes Programme for 2011/15, which included funding for the delivery of a scheme at Richmond Park Drive, which required the Council to dispose of this land at nil consideration.

15.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

declares the land now shown at Appendix A to be surplus to the requirements of the City Council and, subject to planning permission, to be disposed of to Sanctuary Affordable Housing Ltd at nil consideration for use as social housing; and

(b)

authorises the Director of Property and Facilities Management to (ii) agree final terms for the disposal of the site to deliver the scheme set out in the report, including the variation of any boundaries as required, in consultation with the Director of Housing Enterprise and Regeneration and (ii) instruct the Director of Legal Services to complete the necessary legal documentation

15.3

Reasons for Decision

15.3.1

The proposal now reported was identified as a priority in the Supported Housing Strategy 2012 -16 approved by Cabinet in February 2012 and in the Supported Housing Commissioning Plan approved by Cabinet in August 2009.

15.3.2

The allocation of grant from the HCA offers the opportunity to provide a purpose built scheme of up to 20 units of self contained accommodation together with the communal facilities.

15.3.3

The site at Richmond Park Drive is in a good location with access to local facilities and transport links to the City Centre. Of the sites available to the Council and Sanctuary for development, it offered the best location.

15.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

15.4.1

Development on privately-owned land

This option was given serious consideration and Sanctuary conducted a search for suitable private sector land. However, no sites were identified that were of a suitable size and location and available at an affordable price.

15.4.2

Development on other Council-owned sites

Officers considered a number of available Council sites. None of the alternative sites met all the criteria required.

15.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

15.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person and in all the circumstances the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

15.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Richard Webb, Executive Director, Communities.

15.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Safer and Stronger Communities.

Councillor ………………………….

Chair,

Cabinet

1^st March, 2013.