Agenda item - Strouden Court Development

Purpose

1. To seek approval from the Cabinet Member for Housing and Preventing Homelessness to deliver a mix of 63 new council house dwellings within the Strouden Court area of Havant.

2. To seek approval of a capital spend of £18.7m delivering 63 new council housing dwellings to be held in the Housing Revenue Account

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member

1. Approves Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Expenditure of £18.7m, to deliver 63 new council housing dwellings.

2. Notes that the Capital Expenditure of £18.7m requested for this scheme is based on estimated costs from industry cost analysis of a Passive house model.

3. Notes that this development will be a pilot scheme designed and built adopting the principles of the Improved Energy Efficiency Standards For New Build Council Homes this will include bringing a report to this meeting at the completion of the following phases to report on progress and learning; design phase, construction phase and operational phase.

4. Delegates authority to the Director of Housing, Neighbourhood and Building Services in consultation with the Director of Finance and Resources to amend the composition, design standard and spending profile of the proposed scheme in order to meet planning and design requirements whilst ensuring that the scheme remains financially viable following any necessary changes.

5. Delegates the Director of Housing, Neighbourhood and Building Services in consultation with the Director of Finance and Resources to apply for any grant funding to support the scheme and also to agree the use of either Grant funding or 141 receipts to support the scheme

DECISIONS

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Preventing Homelessness

1. Approved Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Expenditure of £18.7m, to deliver 63 new council housing dwellings.

2. Noted that the Capital Expenditure of £18.7m requested for this scheme is based on estimated costs from industry cost analysis of a Passive house model.

3. Noted that this development will be a pilot scheme designed and built adopting the principles of the Improved Energy Efficiency Standards For New Build Council Homes this will include bringing a report to this meeting at the completion of the following phases to report on progress and learning; design phase, construction phase and operational phase.

4. Delegated authority to the Director of Housing, Neighbourhood and Building Services in consultation with the Director of Finance and Resources to amend the composition, design standard and spending profile of the proposed scheme in order to meet planning and design requirements whilst ensuring that the scheme remains financially viable following any necessary changes.

5. Delegated the Director of Housing, Neighbourhood and Building Services in consultation with the Director of Finance and Resources to apply for any grant funding to support the scheme and also to agree the Resources to apply for the use of either Grant funding or 141 receipts to support the scheme.

Jo Bennett, Head of Business Relationships, Growth & Support, presented the report, together with Wayne Layton, Finance Manager.

In response to questions from members, officers explained the red line around the site was slightly larger than in previous discussions with Havant so the development could accommodate an extra eight units without overcrowding. Ground floor adapted properties are definitely being considered and there will be some larger houses to reflect demand on the waiting list.

With regard to removing some of the retail units, which could provide employment and community space, it is unsure yet if it is the right thing to do. It is a matter of what is best for the public realm. One of the units has been empty for some time and parking could be brought closer to the centre of the development making it more convenient. It is essential to understand what local people want. If there was a viable business the unit would not be removed. Portsmouth would need to give good evidence to Havant for removing units and would refer the matter to members. Other factors such as crime statistics and environmental impact would also be considered. A couple of expressions of interest in the unit had not resulted in any takers.

The council will apply for affordable homes grant funding from Homes England and could receive from £30,000 to £35,000 per unit which makes up the shortfall to ensure viability of any schemes. Homes England have recently launched a new round of funding, which provides a good possibility to move forward as the council has been successful in previous bids. The funding is for social housing regardless of tenure so is not a barrier to charging cheaper rents.

Trees and plants will be considered in greater detail as part of the whole landscape. Some are poorer quality and it would be more beneficial to replace them with better quality ones. Attractive trees would not be removed. The landscape architects work closely with the architects and arboricultural advice will be taken. Havant will be consulted as they too will be concerned that the development is attractive. The Design Team have already worked with Havant on other schemes so a good working relationship is in place.

Councillor Sanders thanked officers for the report.