Issue - meetings

Councillor Hughes introduced the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee which had been drawn up following a scrutiny review of housing.  The report had also been considered by the Housing Task Group which had met on 2 March 2021.  The recommendations were welcomed by the Council and the significant support of officers was noted.

RESOLVED

That  (i)    the locally set commuted sum formula be reviewed when the Affordable Housing SPD is next updated;

          (ii)   the Borough should set the example and seek to bring forward more of its own sites for affordable housing developments;

          (iii)  where a viability case results in fewer affordable homes being proposed, a S106 agreement in order to provide the option for the actual costs and values to be completed;

          (iv)  a town centre strategy be brought forward in consultation with residents on the nature of new build housing in this area to inform future policy; 

          (v)   increased vigour and support be given to the return of empty homes into occupation; and

          (vi)  the Planning Committee has a session on the viability assessment process in their regular update training.