The Council is proposing to commence building new homes.  In response to this, it requires the development of an Affordable Housing Strategy to give vision and provide direction to enable affordable housing development to be focused and to maximise the impact of Council resources. The Council will need to consider a range of issues to structure and plan its future affordable housing development priorities.

The report is an introduction to identify areas for consideration and where supporting strategies and polices will be  needed to guide the development process.  This will ensure that Brentwood can both create and deliver affordable housing development opportunities to meet market demand and  housing need.

During the debate Cllr Hirst asked for clarification on the Right to Buy to be used by November 2014.  Miss Ireland to report back.

Following a full discussion.  A motion was MOVED by Cllr Carter and SECONDED by Cllr Mrs Davies to approve the recommendation set out in the report.

Cllr Barrett requested a recorded vote in accordance with Part 4.1 of the Constitution, Rule 9.5, five Members requested a recorded vote be taken and Members voted as followed:

FOR:                    Cllrs Baker, Barrett, Carter, Mrs Davies and  Mrs                                               Hubbard (5)

AGAINST:           Cllrs Hirst, Mrs Hones, McCheyne, Parker and Tee (5)

ABSTAIN:           (0)

Voting took place and in accordance with Rule 9.2 of the Council Procedure Rules, the Chair exercised his casting vote and the MOTION was CARRIED.

RESOLVED to:

2.1            That the Committee authorises the formulation of an Affordable                   Housing Strategy and supporting as set out in 3.2 & 3.3.