Issue - meetings

This item was chaired by Councillor Robertson.

Matter for Decision

The Newbury Farm site was being developed by the Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP) on the south-east fringes of Cambridge. The report sought approval for a capital budget to purchase 60 affordable homes from CIP as Council homes.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing and Homelessness

      i.         Approved the purchase of 60 new Council homes at Newbury Farm, Worts’ Causeway and delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Development (Place Group) to approve contract terms with CIP in respect of this transaction.

    ii.         Delegate Authority to the Assistant Director of Development (Place Group) to agree rental tenures in line with Council Policy and planning consents for the Newbury Farm Affordable Housing.

   iii.         Approve a total budget of £15,285,000 to enable the development of 60 homes at Newbury Farm, Worts’ Causeway.

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 Assistant Director Development (Place).

The Assistant Director Development (Place) said the following in response to Members’ questions:

      i.         Advised that the outline planning application would have secured a financial contribution for education. 

    ii.         Advised that homes were planned to be built to ‘future home’ standards rather than ‘Passiv haus’ standard. It was hoped that Homes England funding would be awarded for this development. Water consumption was expected to be restricted to 99 litres per person per day.

   iii.         Would check whether the play equipment provided on site would be accessible play equipment. 

The Committee resolved by 7 votes to 0 with 1 abstention 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.