Issue - meetings

Before the item was considered the Chair highlighted the following typo in the report:

·      Section 4.1.3 (p225 of the agenda pack) stated a purchase price of £1,125,000 for Haviland Way in King’s Hedges. The correct figure was £1,375,000. The overall budget was not affected for that site and the overall ask not affected.

The Cabinet Member for Housing then introduced the report.

The report provided an update on the Council’s Small Sites Programme; an initiative focused on bringing forward underutilised and infill sites across Cambridge to deliver new council housing. The programme had been designed to provide opportunities for the Small to Medium (SME) sector in the region.

In response to questions from Cabinet Members and those Councillors present, the Cabinet Member for Housing said the following:

      i.         The provision of a community facility had previously been explored as part of proposals for the St. Thomas Road development. While the current scheme could not accommodate such a facility, future provision on the opposite garage site could be considered but was not guaranteed.

    ii.         The Council had adopted the Cam Standard rather than Passivhaus certification. The additional benefits associated with achieving the final stage of full Passivhaus certification were relatively limited in comparison with the additional cost. The last 10% was very marginal in terms of gains for the tenant as outlined in the report. Further, information would be provided outside the meeting.

   iii.         Regarding the Horizons site, the Council would work closely with the County Council to ensure a smooth transition and ensure service users and operators were appropriately supported throughout the process. Ongoing engagement with board members would continue.

  iv.         The proposed homes on the Hawthorn and Horizon sites would be 100% Council homes, with 5% designed as wheelchair-accessible properties. A builder was yet to be appointed and Officers were currently considering the available delivery options as outlined in the report. Was keen to utilise local builders, contractors and architects where possible in order to support local businesses.

Cabinet unanimously resolved to:

      i.         Approve the three sites above for inclusion within the Housing Capital Programme, with an indicative capital budget of £37,401,454 to fund all site assembly, construction costs, professional fees, and further associated fees, to deliver a 100% affordable – council - housing scheme which meets the identified need in Cambridge. This budget will be funded from resources previously approved by Council for investment in new homes and not yet allocated.

    ii.         Authorise the Assistant Director, Development in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing to approve variations to the scheme including the number of units and mix of property types, sizes, and tenure.

   iii.         Delegate authority to the Assistant Director, Development to make a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) in respect of any leasehold interests at Horizons and Hawkins development sites, identified for possible redevelopment that cannot be acquired by private treaty within a reasonable timescale and at a reasonable cost subject to the Director of Economy and Place being satisfied that there is a compelling case in the public interest for the use of compulsory purchase powers, and that all legal and policy requirements for the making and confirmation of a CPO have been met

  iv.         Delegate authority to the Assistant Director, Development to serve initial Demolition Notices under the Housing Act 1985.

    v.         Delegate Authority to the Assistant Director of Housing and Homelessness to approve a local lettings plan for the proposed developments.