Decision details

This report seeks the approval of the Housing and Homelessness Portfolio Holder to acquire the freehold interest in ten new-build residential properties within the District.

Due to the pre-contract nature of this decision and the associated commercial sensitivity, financial and site-specific information has been set out within Confidential Appendix 1.

On 18 August 2025, Cllr Steve Davies the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness made the following decision:

That in accordance with adopted strategic housing and development objectives, it is recommended that the Council enters a Development Agreement and Contract with the house builder to acquire the freehold interest of the ten new-build homes for the sum disclosed within Confidential Appendix 1.

Any member of the Council, who is not a Portfolio Holder, who considers that this decision should be reviewed should give notice using the call-in facility at the top of this page on the Council’s intranet / extranet site. Alternatively, notice can be given to the Monitoring Officer (Matt Wisdom) (in writing or by e-mail) to be received ON OR BY 5.15 pm on 26 August 2025.

Details of the document the Portfolio Holder considered are attached below

The ten ‘S106’ affordable homes fulfil a planning requirement imposed upon the approved development to include a percentage of affordable housing under policy HOU2 of the Local Plan (July 2020). By acquiring the homes from the Developer, the Council is enabling the Planning Obligation to be fulfilled.

The acquisition of the ten homes will meet the Corporate Plan People Priority 3 (Meeting Housing Needs) through the Council providing increased numbers of affordable homes, and by demonstrating how the Council is working with developers and landowners to bring forward opportunities for wider housing provision to meet the needs of our communities through shared ownership and other tenures. Opportunities will also arise through the development which are likely to contribute towards and reduce pressures on Priority 1 (Helping those in our community in the greatest need).

See report (Options appraisal)