Agenda item

Peter Stuart, Head of Corporate Resources introduced the report which detailed the opportunity to increase the affordable housing supply in East Grinstead. He noted the proposal to sell the land for £400,000 and to assist the developer to bring forward housing provision on the site. He informed Cabinet that the representations received were primarily planning objections.  All representations were within the report for Members to consider carefully.   He confirmed that there was nothing in those objections that would prevent the Council from agreeing the sale of the land.

The Leader reminded Cabinet that here the Council is the landowner rather than the planning authority and advised Members to take careful note of the representations from Ward Members and stakeholders.

The Cabinet Member for Service Delivery and Environment advised he was concerned over the loss of open green spaces within a built-up area. He confirmed that he understood the objections and comments of the Ward Members and the residents. He highlighted that it was rare for a council to own a site that could provide 100% affordable housing once developed. He welcomed the right of termination of the contract if planning permission is not approved by June 2020. The Cabinet Member confirmed that 291 families waiting on the housing list requested East Grinstead as their first preference area for housing. He understood that there would be concerns over the ecological impact but hoped the development would be a scheme that could be replicated elsewhere in the District.

The Head of Corporate Resources confirmed that all planning permission costs would be funded by the purchaser of the land and that the purchase price of £400,000 had already been agreed.

The Cabinet Member for Community noted the report confirmed the transfer of land to the Council in 1947 for the purposes of housing. He confirmed the sale of the site is to a registered housing provider and that the land had been advertised for sale in the public domain giving others the opportunity to make expressions of interest. He noted it would be difficult to contest the loss of the land when the site is within walking distance to 140 hectares of green open space. He reminded Cabinet that all the houses would be affordable when compared to market rents.

The Deputy Leader supported the recommendations having taken careful account of the representations received.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning confirmed that central Government is encouraging local authorities to dispose of land for affordable housing.

The Leader noted that no affordable homes had been built in East Grinstead since 2016 and it is important to consider how the Council can provide affordable housing in the community.

The Leader took the Cabinet to recommendations which were agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

Cabinet resolved to:

i) Approve the sale of land at Blackwell Farm Road / Holtye Road, East Grinstead to The Guinness Partnership for the sum £400,000 to provide 10 affordable homes.

ii) Instructed the Council solicitor to agree the contract for sale on behalf of the Council in a timely manner and on such terms that are favourable to the Council.