Decision details

To approve the transfer of land at Markham Close Garages to CIP for the delivery of new social housing.

Matter for Decision

The report provided details of the indicative capacity of the site at 1-12 Garages, Markham Close.  Originally highlighted on the Development Rolling Programme (updated HSC June 2017) it was estimated that the site had the potential to deliver 2 affordable homes.  Following a more detailed inspection this had now been revised to 4 No. 1 bedroom flats.

The report sought approval of a capital budget for the HRA based on the indicative capacity study which had been undertaken for the site and the outline appraisals referenced in the report.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

       i.          Noted the indicative mix of the proposed scheme

     ii.          Approved the indicative capital budget of £855,190 to cover all construction costs, professional fees and associated fees to deliver a scheme that meets an identified housing need in Cambridge City. This sum had been allocated in the most recent publication of the Budget Setting Report (January 2018).

   iii.          Approved that the site is offered to Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP) to progress for development to deliver a scheme which will meet the strategic aims of the Council in the delivery of new social housing.  The scheme will be developed in accordance with the CIP process which had been approved at Strategy & Resouces Committee on 9^th October 2017.

   iv.          Noted that the Executive Councillor had a delegated authority to approve the transfer of land to CIP for the redevelopment of the site at a later date. This would be subject to CIP demonstrating that its development proposal meets the Council’s strategic aims for the site and the development and delivery milestones are in accordance with the CIP Approvals Process agreed at S&R Committee on 9^th October 2017.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Interim Head of Housing Development Agency. The Committee noted that the site was in King’s Hedges Ward and not Queen Edith’s as stated in the report.

The Interim Head of Housing Development Agency said the following in response to Members’ questions:

       i.          The numbers of properties that could be accommodated on the site was constrained by neighbouring properties and a restricted access route.

     ii.          The Planning Department and County Council Highways Department had not expressed any concerns about the proposals.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.