Decision details

This report outlines proposals to build three new affordable housing schemes and seeks approval for project funding.

This Council has a corporate objective to enable the delivery of 500 new affordable homes by 2017.

Approval is sought to set appropriate budgets for the construction of 3 new affordable housing schemes in the borough that collectively will deliver 58 new affordable homes.  

In January 2014 the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) announced the bidding criteria for the new Affordable Homes Programme to support the delivery of new affordable homes up to 2018.  The deadline for applications is 30^th April 2014.  Approval is also being sought to apply for funding from the HCA to support these schemes.

That the Executive:

a)    approves a budget of £5.5 million to fund the development of a new 36 unit sheltered housing scheme at Coldeast, Park Gate;

b)    approves a budget of £854,000 to fund the development of 6 energy efficient ‘Passivhaus’ homes at Coldeast Close, Sarisbury;

c)    approves a revised budget of £1,850,000 to fund the development of 16 x 1 bedroom flats at Palmerston Avenue; and

d)    authorises the Director of Community to submit a bid for grant funding to the HCA via the Wayfarer consortium to help fund the development of new affordable homes to be built between 2015 and 2018.