Issue - items at meetings - New Homes for Neighbourhoods Developing New Homes - HRA Site Final Approval

(1)      That it be agreed that in relation to the HRA owned car park site at Ardingly Street, Kemp Town, Brighton that the proposed design is submitted for planning approval and that an indicative capital budget of £1.1m and borrowing requirement of £0.56 m is included in the 2015/16 Capital Programme to fund this scheme.

(2)       That it is noted that this scheme is based on the rent model set at 80% market rent capped at LHA rate.

(3)       That the estimated levels of subsidy required from the HRA be approved if the rents are set at 80% market rent capped at LHA rate and that delegated authority be given to the Executive Director of Environment, Development and Housing and the Executive Director of Finance and Resources in consultation with the Estate Regeneration Member Board to agree reasonable amendments to that subsidy if changes arise.

43.1    The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director  Environment, Development and Housing which informed Members that the Estate Regeneration Team had continued to explore opportunities to build much needed new homes on council land and to commission initial feasibility and design studies for sites which have potential for council residential development.  The report sought approval of the rent model and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) subsidy for development of new homes on the larger, western HRA feasibility study and design.  Housing Committee agreed to the final feasibility study, design and development of new council housing on this site through the council’s Sustainable Futures strategic construction partnership at its meeting in April 2014.  The report was presented by the Housing Programme Manager.

43.2    Councillor Mears asked if the views of the Housing Area Panels had been sought on the roof garden.  She expressed concern about the safety of young children and noted that she could not find details about the height of the wall surrounding the roof garden.  She asked if this matter had been considered.

43.3    The Housing Programme Manager replied that he would investigate the safety issue.  This matter would be considered along with any revisions that might affect the space.  The roof garden had been proposed to provide an outside space.

43.4    RESOLVED -  (1)     That it be agreed that in relation to the HRA owned car park site at Ardingly Street, Kemp Town, Brighton that the proposed design is submitted for planning approval and that an indicative capital budget of £1.1m and borrowing requirement of £0.56 m is included in the 2015/16 Capital Programme to fund this scheme.

(2) That it is noted that this scheme is based on the rent model set at 80% market rent capped at LHA rate.

(3) That the estimated levels of subsidy required from the HRA be approved if the rents are set at 80% market rent capped at LHA rate and that delegated authority be given to the Executive Director of Environment, Development and Housing and the Executive Director of Finance and Resources in consultation with the Estate Regeneration Member Board to agree reasonable amendments to that subsidy if changes arise.