Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Local Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources and Workforce Planning,  seeking authority to dispose of land at Rope Walk, Derby Road, subject to the outcome of further consultation on options for the land with the local community.

This decision was deferred from 18^th January 2010 Cabinet for further consultation on alternative ideas and/or options other than housing.

(i)  To agree to dispose of the site at Rope Walk, Derby Rd to a partner housing association to facilitate an affordable housing scheme and retention of the community garden.

(ii)  To determine that the disposal will contribute to the improvement of social well-being of residents.

(iii)  In the event that further grant is not available from the Homes and Communities Agency, to approve

• The addition of a scheme to the Housing General Fund Capital Programme in the sum of £160,000 to provide grant aid to assist a partner Registered Social Landlord (RSL) to develop this site;
• The equivalent reduction in the uncommitted provision within the Housing General Fund Capital Programme for the provision of grant aid to RSL’s for new social housing developments; and
• For the purpose of Finance Procedure Rules, capital spending of up to £160,000 on this scheme.

(iv)  Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Neighbourhoods following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Local Services, Solicitor to the Council, Head of Finance and Head of Property and Procurement to agree detailed terms of the disposal.

(v)  Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Neighbourhoods following consultation with the Cabinet Member for housing and Local Services, Solicitor to the Council, Head of finance and Head of Property and Procurement to agree the future management arrangements for the Community Garden.

1. The Council’s Housing Strategy 2007-2011 sets as a key priority ‘Developing Balanced & Sustainable Communities’ including the provision of 2,000 new affordable homes.  This priority reflects the high levels of housing need in the City confirmed by the Housing Needs & Housing Market Survey 2006, which identifies a shortfall of 1,391 affordable housing units each year in the city. There are currently over 14,000 households on the Council’s housing register.
2. The recommendation would facilitate the freeing up existing family sized affordable homes by providing new smaller homes on the site suitable for existing tenants wishing to transfer from larger homes.

Sell the site in the open market:  Whilst this option would generate a 100% usable capital receipt from the sale of the site, this option would not contribute to the provision of new affordable housing in the City to help meet the need for 1,391 new units of affordable housing per year identified in the Housing Needs Survey. This also might lead to development unsympathetic with the garden site at the rear of the property,  It is not recommended that this option is pursued.