Issue - meetings

To note the content of the draft Strategy and to approve the related timetable and consultation process.

RESOLVED:

That the overall approach set out in the Draft Housing Strategy and Delivery Plan, as attached as Appendices 1 and 2 to Report Item 7 to the Cabinet; and the proposed consultation arrangements as set out in Appendix 3 to Report Item 7 to the Cabinet, be approved.

The Cabinet considered the overall approach and consultation arrangements for production of a housing strategy to cover the period 2018 – 2023.  The draft strategy was attached as Appendix 1 to Report Item 7 to the Cabinet and the housing strategy delivery action plan as Appendix 2 to that report.  The proposed consultation arrangements were set out in Appendix 3.

Members were advised that, as the strategy was still in an early stage of preparation, any significant initiatives that were set out in the Prime Minister’s speech to the Conservative Party Conference later that day could be incorporated.

The housing strategy would influence and support the future planning and delivery of housing within the District, to facilitate a thriving housing market and address local housing needs.  Delivery of a range of affordable housing choices could be achieved by the inclusion of appropriate policies in the Local Plan, which was currently under review.  In addition it was suggested that the Council’s new-build programme for council homes would continue to be a feature of the new housing strategy.  The strategy would also seek to address the issue of affordability and, in line with the National Planning Policy Framework, lower cost home ownership and shared ownership options would be explored to provide a stepping stone between renting and moving into home ownership.  Research commissioned locally had established that starter homes in this District were relatively unaffordable, requiring an annual income in excess of £42,000 per annum.

Members were encouraged to submit their comments, at this early stage in the process, in order to influence the content of the strategy.

RESOLVED:

That the overall approach set out in the draft housing strategy and delivery plan, as attached as Appendices 1 and 2 to Report Item 7 to the Cabinet; and the proposed consultation arrangements as set out in Appendix 3 to Report Item 7 to the Cabinet, be approved.