Decision details

Matter for Decision

       i.          The City Council had agreed a devolution deal with government to deliver 500 new Council homes over 5 years.

     ii.          Clerk Maxwell Road is a scheme of 35 units being brought forward by Hill in conjunction with Trinity College Cambridge and has been identified as a potential S106 opportunity with Hill. The proposed scheme will provide 14 new Council rented dwellings (40%).

   iii.          The report sought approval for a capital budget for the acquisition of the 14 affordable units as Council rented units based on an initial appraisal of the scheme and approval for the delivery route to be adopted.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

       i.          Noted the indicative mix of the proposed scheme to include 10 no. one bedroom flats and 4 no. two bedroom flats to meet minimum Council space standards requirements (NDSS) and provision of through floor lifts.

     ii.          Approved that the scheme be brought forward with an indicative capital budget for the scheme of £2,837,760 to cover all of the purchase and construction costs, legal and professional fees and associated other fees to deliver a scheme that meets an identified housing need in Cambridge City.

   iii.          Noted that the scheme is indicative and authorise the Strategic Director in consultation with the Executive Councillor to approve variations to the scheme including the number of units and mix of property types and sizes outlined in this report.

   iv.          Approved that the site is progressed subject to agreement of terms and a value for money assessment to be carried out on behalf of the Council prior to entering into a build contract with Hill.

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 Manager, Housing Development Agency.

The Manager, Housing Development Agency said the following in response to Members’ questions:

       i.          A Head of Terms agreement had been agreed with the developer.

The Committee resolved (by 4 votes to 0) to endorse the recommendation.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.