Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision

The report presented the outcome of the options appraisal that had been carried out in accordance with the decision taken at Housing Scrutiny Committee in January 2022 on the future of Hanover Court and Princess Court.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

i.               Approved the redevelopment of Hanover Court and Princess Court (Option 4 in the Options Analysis).

ii.             Approved that delegated authority be given to the Executive Councillor for Housing in conjunction with the Strategic Director to enable the site to be developed through Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), subject to a value for money assessment to be carried out on behalf of the Council. Development would be through the transfer of the site to CIP and the purchase of completed affordable homes from CIP.

iii.            Delegated Authority to the Strategic Director acting on behalf of the Council as the landowner to enter into and complete any planning obligation under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 which is required by the Council in its capacity as the local planning authority, pursuant to the planning application for the development of the site.

iv.           Authorised the Strategic Director in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Housing, Chair and Spokes to approve variations to the affordable housing units to be purchased including the number of units and mix of property types, sizes and tenure.

v.             Delegated authority to the Strategic Director to commence Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) proceedings on leasehold properties to be demolished to enable the development, should these be required.

vi.           Delegated authority to the Strategic Director to serve initial Demolition Notices under the Housing Act 1985.

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 Head of Housing Development Agency.

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

      i.         There were 82 tenants at the start of the process and 55 tenants had moved or were in the process of moving. It was anticipated that the remaining tenants may need further help and support to move. There were 45 leaseholders and 22 were in the process of moving. Half of the leaseholders who remained were resident leaseholders. 

    ii.         Subject to discussions with the Planning Department, expected there to be between 40-60% provision of affordable housing on site.

   iii.         The timeframe within the Regeneration Policy for commencing compulsory purchase proceedings was 3 months from the date of the decision however each case would be considered on its own merits.

Councillor Porrer requested an amendment to recommendation 2.4 to include the Chair and Spokes as part of the consultation (additional text underlined).

Authorise the Strategic Director in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Housing, Chair and Spokes to approve variations to the affordable housing units to be purchased including the number of units and mix of property types, sizes and tenure.

The amendment was agreed unanimously.

The Committee resolved by 7 votes to 0 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.