Decision details

(1)        That the improvement and conversion of Leader Lodge, North Weald into four self contained flats, together with the development of an annexe comprising at least two self contained flats within the grounds of Leader Lodge in partnership with one of the Council’s Preferred Registered Social Landlord (RSL) Partners be sought;

(2)        That the new and converted flats be sold on a shared-ownership basis, as a low cost home ownership initiative for first time buyers in the District who are unable purchase a property on the open market;

(3)        That, in order to ensure maximum value for money, one of the Council’s Preferred RSL Partners be selected by the Housing Portfolio Holder to undertake the development following a competitive process based upon:

(a)        the plans formulated by the Council’s architect:

(b)        the proposed amounts to be paid to the Council by the RSLs; and

(c)        any other material considerations considered appropriate by the Housing Portfolio Holder;

(4)        That the selected Preferred RSL Partner be required to;

(a)            produce and submit the detailed planning application at its own cost and risk; and

(b)        submit a bid to the Housing Corporation for social housing grant (SHG) funding, which the Council will support;

(5)        That, subject to the receipt of planning permission and the RSL undertaking the approved development, the freehold of Leader Lodge and the associated land be sold to the selected Preferred RSL Partner, after the outcome of the Housing Corporation Bidding Round is known, for its tendered sum; and

(6)        That any capital receipt be utilised to provide local authority social housing grant to an RSL to facilitate the provision of affordable housing on another site, and that the Housing Portfolio Holder be authorised to approve its most appropriate use, in terms of the site and RSL.