The current policy document “Housing Strategy 2013-16” had expired.  To forward the aims of the Service and Council, a new document was required to outline in strategic terms proposed service provision. 

A draft version of the “Housing Strategy 2017-2020” was put to Committee on the 7^th December 2016 which was approved to move forward to public consultation prior to ratification. 

The “Housing Strategy 2017-2020” outlined a transparent consultation for six weeks, ending on the 28^th February 2017.  The consultation was widely advertised and included representations from tenants, residents and professionals. 

The public consultation strongly supported the new “Housing Strategy 2017-2020” and its implementation.  Only some minor technical alterations had subsequently been made; no substantive changes were made to the draft version. 

Cllr Tumbridge requested a change to the wording for “Section 106 agreements”  on page 63 of the supplement agenda to read: “Requirements of developers as part of planning permissions.  Section 106 is part of the Town and Country Act.  Agreements under it covers the planning application process, to provide contributions (usually financial) to develop facilities/amenities for the local community (e.g. education, open space)”. 

A motion was MOVED by Cllr Hossack and SECONDED by Cllr Poppy to approve the recommendations in the report.

A vote was taken by a show of hands and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY that:

The Committee formally approve the final “Housing Strategy 2017-2020” for immediate adoption (Appendix A of the report).  

Reasons for recommendation

The proposed Housing Strategy would allow the Council to:

-       Meet its legal requirements

-       Target housing solutions within the Borough

-       Broaden the housing range for residents

-       Highlight to tenants and residents the forthcoming challenges which both the council and they themselves would face.

-       Support the implementation of the Welfare Reform agenda (which Brentwood Borough Council was committed to, particularly within existing written policy).

-       Structure the Council’s approach to housing, in particular as relevant to the Local Development Plan.