Issue - meetings

Councillor Elson, Portfolio Holder, introduced the recommendation of the Executive in respect of the motion submitted by Councillor Lyons seeking a minimum provision of affordable housing onsite for developments over 15 dwellings.  The motion, as set out below, had not been supported by the Executive with concerns over the viability of the motion and the possible detrimental impact on the number of affordable homes.

“CS12 of the Council’s Core Strategy requires that new developments over 15 dwellings will provide at least 40 per cent affordable homes onsite, and that those brought forward by this Council will provide 50 per cent of affordable homes onsite.

(i)      This Council notes that some applicants have successfully avoided having to provide any or all of these affordable homes as a result of viability assessments which have concluded that such a development would not be economically viable, were they to do so.

(ii)      Irrespective of any viability assessment, this Council, along with any of this Council’s arms-length companies (including but not limited to Thameswey), will not have any involvement in a development - save for determining its planning application - unless at least 40 per cent of the homes provided onsite are affordable homes.”

Councillor Lyons spoke in support of the motion, drawing attention to the low number of developments which had achieved 40% affordable housing in the Borough.  The motion sought to ensure that any developments brought forward by the Council would provide at least 40% affordable housing to set an example for other developers.

In view of the recommendation before the Council, Councillor Lyons moved and Councillor Morales seconded an amendment which had the effect of changing (ii) of the motion in accordance with the Officer comments set out in the report as follows:

“(ii)    The Council should make sure that it, and all its arms-length companies set an example by doing everything possible to meet the Affordable Housing requirements of Policy CS12.”

The Council was invited to debate the amendment.  The amendment was welcomed by the Council and agreed following discussion without the need for a named vote.  The Council now had before it the substantive recommendations as amended.

Councillor Azad moved and Councillor Ashall seconded an amendment to (i) of the motion which had the effect of changing the wording as follows:

“(i)     This Council notes that it has become increasingly difficult for developers to meet the Council’s Affordable Housing target of 40% while keeping developments viable in the prevailing economic circumstances and that the Council must act if it is to maintain its delivery of Affordable Homes.”

Councillor Lyons advised the Council that he was happy to accept the amendment to (i).  In view of the amendments, the Council was advised to add the word ‘accordingly’ at the start of amended (ii) in the event the motion was amended was supported.

The Council debated the proposed amendment to (i).  Councillor Aziz spoke against the amendment and requested a named vote on the amendment.  In accordance with Standing Order 10.8, the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7

Reporting Person – Corporate Management Group

At its meeting on 11 February 2021, the Council referred the following Notice of Motion to the Executive.

Councillor L Lyons

“CS12 of the Council’s Core Strategy requires that new developments over 15 dwellings will provide at least 40 per cent affordable homes onsite, and that those brought forward by this Council will provide 50 per cent of affordable homes onsite.

(i)         This Council notes that some applicants have successfully avoided having to provide any or all of these affordable homes as a result of viability assessments which have concluded that such a development would not be economically viable, were they to do so.

(ii)         Irrespective of any viability assessment, this Council, along with any of this Council’s arms-length companies (including but not limited to Thameswey), will not have any involvement in a development - save for determining its planning application - unless at least 40 per cent of the homes provided onsite are affordable homes.”

Councillor Lyons attended the meeting and spoke in support of the Motion.  Councillor Lyons commented that he would need to give further consideration to the suggested amendment to (ii) of the Motion set out in the Officer comment.  The Executive was not minded to support the Motion because to do so would be counterproductive and would rule out the ability for the Director of Housing to secure grants from Homes England.

RECOMMENDED to Council

That the Motion be not supported.