The properties to be built on the Fawters Close site had been approved for the use for older peoples affordable housing for rent to be retained in Council ownership.  Approval was granted by Committee on 23 September 2015 for this new development scheme. 

The proposed Lettings Plan prioritised those applicants on the Transfer List who were aged over 60 and under-occupying an existing social housing property.  The anticipated benefits included:

-       Releasing large properties to the General Stock for Home Seeker and Transfer applicants who were in potentially overcrowded accommodation.

-       Providing a more targeted approach to older people who required affordable housing.

-       Creating wider “move on” within the CBL allocations system.

The new development scheme was intended to bring the following advantages to both the Council and its tenants and customers:

-       Meet local housing needs for older persons

-       Enhance our under-occupation offer to encourage older persons to downsize (release larger homes for families)

-       Invest the Right To Buy Capital Receipts

-       High quality new build affordable housing

-       The opportunity for the Council to retain the development in council ownership

-       Provide a low level of support on a weekly basis to enable independent living

An “Enhanced Under-Occupation Offer” would benefit a new tenant by providing a tailored service for vulnerable older persons and ensure that the core objectives of the Garage Site Redevelopment programme were realised. 

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:

1.    The Committee formally approved the appended Local Lettings Plan.

2.    The Committee formally approved the “Enhanced Under-Occupation Offer”.

3.    The Committee approved the Rent Policy application as per paragraph 8 of the Lettings Policy. 

Reasons for recommendation

The proposed policy would allow the Council to:

-       Target affordable housing supply within the Borough.

-       Broaden the housing range for residents.

-       Expand housing options indirectly for homeless households through “move on” within General Stock.

-       Implement the Welfare Reform agenda (which Brentwood Borough Council has committed to, particularly within existing written policy)

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