The Council owns a range of garage sites across the Borough, including those that are disused and hard to let. Members previously agreed that Officers should identify the potential redevelopment of sites that provided an immediate opportunity for new affordable housing.

Officers had identified two potential sites. One site was at Brookfield Close, Hutton and the second at Sir Francis Way, which is located in Brentwood, very close to the Town Centre. Both sites provided excellent potential for redevelopment.

At the Community, Health & Housing Committee on the 5th March 2019, delegated authority was approved for the Housing Services Manager to commission an architect to prepare a feasibility report for both sites to establish the viability of each which will outline potential on both sites, and inform in terms of quantum and tenure mix.

A motion was MOVED by Cllr Hossack and SECONDED by Cllr Kerslake to agree the recommendations with a slight amendment (see below).

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

1. That the Committee formally approves delegated authority for the Housing Services Manager in consultation with the Chair and/or Vice Chair of Environment, Enforcement and Housing Committee to submit outline planning permission for both sites at Brookfield Close, Hutton and Sir Francis Way.

2. That the feasibility report outcomes are reported to the next appropriate Environment, Enforcement & Housing Committee.

3. That if agreed, the proposal is referred to the Council’s Policy, Resources and Economic Development Committee for approval.

Reasons for Recommendation:

The mechanism proposed front-loads the procedure for allocating RTB monies to site-specific construction projects with outline planning proposals, without Committee approval at the initial stage. It would allow for a more streamlined and efficient method of retaining the RTB monies for use within the Borough.

Option 1 was recommended as the most transparent option for the Council and supported the ‘Getting our House in Order’ transformation programme for Housing Services. It worked towards ensuring financial stability and revenue protection.