One of the Council’s Key Objectives 2020-21 is to “Establish a clear and deliverable Strategic Housing Development Plan”. In response to that objective, the report summarised the progress, since commencement in July 2020, of the development of a pipeline of new Council owned homes through the regeneration of various Housing Revenue Account (HRA) owned sites. This ‘Strategic Housing Delivery Plan’ (SHDP) currently have two key features. Firstly, the regeneration of a number of existing homes and garages at Brookfield Close, Hutton, which subject to resident consultation and planning could result in 61 new zero carbon homes and, secondly, the redevelopment of a number of other smaller sites within the Council’s ownership to deliver a further 100 to 150 new Council homes.

The Council’s Corporate Strategy ‘Brentwood 2025’ commits to Introducing “innovative Carbon reduction and absorption schemes”, “identify opportunities for low emission and green developments” and using ‘brownfield sites efficiently, such as Council ownedgarage sites, to provide affordable homes…”. The Government had also set legallybinding targets under the Climate Change Act 2008 to reach ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050. Meeting this target would require a range of actions across sectors of the UKeconomy that are responsible for emissions. The opportunities laid out within the report contributed significantly to the Council’s Strategy as well as the national agenda.

A presentation was given to the committee from Mr Winslet, Director of ARK Consultancy. 

A motion was MOVED by Cllr Mrs Pearson and SECONDED by Cllr Hossack  to agree the recommendations in the report. Following a discussion a vote was taken by a show of hands and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY that:

Members are asked to:

R1. Authorise the Director, Housing and Enforcement in consultation with the Chair of Housing and Director of Corporate Resources to submit a full and detailed application for planning permission for the regeneration of Brookfield Close, subject to the preparation of a Statement of Community Involvement.

R2. Note proposed engagement with Homes England on the Council’s programme for new affordable homes and authorise the Director,  Housing and Enforcement in consultation with the Chair of Housingand Director of Corporate Resources to prepare and submit a bid forAHP funding to support a viable programme of new Council homes.

Reasons for Recommendation

The recommendations not only bring forward the Council’s Key Objective for the delivery of new Council homes but also the use of brownfield sites and reduction in carbon. The recommendations also support the viability of the schemes proposed through interaction with Homes England and the seeking authority to bid for grant funding to support the programme.