Decision - New Homes for Neighbourhoods - Final scheme approval

27.1    The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director  Environment, Development and Housing which reminded Members that at its meeting in November 2013 Housing Committee agreed to the demolition works, final feasibility study, design and development of new council housing on the site of 243-245 Preston Road, Brighton.   The report focused on development proposals for the site that the team now wished to progress through planning and construction stages. Members were asked to agree rent level and associated level of HRA subsidy for the scheme.  The report was presented by the Housing Programme Manager. 

27.2    Councillor Phillips mentioned that at the last meeting the Chair had asked members to consider investigating a rent model set at 60% market rent.  Councillor Phillips stated that she thought the current scheme should have a rent model set at 60% and that each scheme should be looked at on a case by case basis.  She felt that rent levels should not automatically be linked to market rents.    

27.3    Councillor Mears expressed concern with recommendation 2.1 (iii) which referred to delegating authority to the Executive Director of Environment, Development and Housing and the Executive Director of Finance and Resources to agree reasonable amendments to the subsidy required from the HRA if changes arise.  Councillor Mears stressed that any changes would have an impact on subsidy for future schemes.  She asked for an explanation.  

27.4    The Housing Programme Manager explained that the rate was estimated at the moment.  As the scheme progressed the costs would become more accurate.  He stressed that if further reports had to be

            submitted to Housing Committee for approval it would delay the scheme.  The Housing Programme Manager referred to paragraph 3.12 and pointed out that there were control methods in within the strategic partnership.  It was agreed that any changes to the scheme should be submitted to the Cross Party Member Board.  

27.5    Councillor Peltzer Dunn supported the report.  He considered that the development timeline set out in paragraph 3.12 seemed a very short period.  He asked if a planning application had been submitted. 

27.6    The Housing Programme Manager explained that the current advice he had received from Development Control was that the scheme would not require formal planning permission.  It would be permitted development.   This meant that the scheme could be delivered significantly quicker than one requiring planning permission.

27.7    RESOLVED - (1)      That the design and change to plans for this site be noted.

(2)       That the rent model set at 80% market rent capped at LHA rate be approved.

(3)       That the estimated levels of subsidy required from the HRA for the chosen rent model(s) be approved and that it be further approved to delegate authority to the Executive Director of Environment, Development and Housing and the Executive Director of Finance and Resources to agree reasonable amendments to that subsidy if changes arise

(4)       That the Cross Party Member Board receives an update regarding any amendments before the delegated authority set out in (3) above is actioned.