Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director (BA).

The Executive received the report updating Members on the Council’s Social Housing development activity since the approval of the initial phase in October 2019. The report also sought approval for the establishment of a budget for in-year development opportunities where time constraints did not allow for a full Committee and Council reporting process to be followed. The report further sought approval for the acquisition of 3 - three bedroom houses in Anthony Road, Heavitree, Exeter, as part of the HRA Development Programme.

The report updated Members on the progress with the first tranche of development for 100 properties at a cost of approximately £18 million for the following sites:-

·         9 houses at Thornpark Rise;

·         10 houses at Bovemoors Lane;

·         21 flats at Hamlin Gardens;

·         60 flats at Vaughan Road;

·         the Extra Care development at Edwards Court under construction to deliver 53 one and two bedroom flats early in 2021;

all delivered to Passivhaus standard by the Council’s in-house team in conjunction with Exeter City Living.

·         17 non-traditionally constructed Laings properties had been demolished to be replaced with traditionally constructed dwellings.

The Council was continuing to scope the second phase of social and affordable housing programme, in some cases with Exeter City Living.

Members also noted the acquisition from Exeter City Living in the sum of £900,000 of the three houses in Anthony Road, Heavitree next to the Council’s HRA housing estate, North Lawn Court, Exeter, these properties being originally intended for the open market. In order to assist in any future market acquisitions quickly, an additional budget of £3 million was requested.

The Director (BA) also reported a Government announcement of a £3 billion “green” package including a £50 million pilot programme for the retrofit of social housing at scale including elements such as insulation, double glazing and heat pumps. It was considered that the City Council was well placed to make a funding bid to participate in the pilot because of the innovative work already commenced within the Housing Assets and Development Team.

Members noted the:-

·         contribution the above developments would make to the Council target of delivering 500 new properties in total within a 10 year period;

·         commitment to building to Passivhaus Standards and aligning with the Council’s Objectives regarding Carbon Reduction; and

·         valuable increase to the City’s social housing stock being brought forward in conjunction with the work of Exeter City Living as the Council’s other development arm.

RECOMMENDED that Council:-

(1)        note the Housing Revenue Account Development Programme progress update;

(2)        approve the additional capital budget provision of £3 million to allow urgent market opportunities to be pursued and secured where the Committee reporting timescales do not allow a full reporting process to be followed;

(3)        grant delegated authority to the Director (BA) in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Council Housing Development and Services to spend the £3 million as referred to in paragraph 2.1.2 of the circulated report where in year market opportunities are identified; and

(4)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75