Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation and Housing.

Cabinet had before it a report* from the Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation and Housing which provided options for potential large sites within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) development programme. The sites considered are Post Hill, Tiverton, St Georges Court, Tiverton and Knowle Lane, Cullompton. These sites are presently within the control of the Council with Post Hill held within the HRA.

The report aimed to obtain agreement for the 5-year HRA development programme (2023/24 to 2027/28) in respect of these large potential sites for new social housing within Mid Devon Housing (MDH) stock taking into account the options analysis presented.

The following was discussed:

• Clarification was sought over the costs to adapt housing as it seemed like quite a round number. The Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation and Housing explained that this was an estimated cost, but there was data to support this estimated cost. 

• Asked why this accommodation was appropriate for those over 60. The Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation and Housing explained that the accommodation had ground floor and lift access and with more adaption work it would be suitable for over 60s. In addition, the location was central to town and had good transport links and good accessibility to medical sites. It was also noted that there was not a similar site within the vicinity of Tiverton.

• Some over 60s occupied family homes and that this could generate some healthy movement within the council’s stock.

• Asked if this accommodation would be available for the whole of Mid Devon. The Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation and Housing reassured that there was flexibility with this, but the initial focus was for Tiverton tenants.

• Asked if there would be any flexibility in terms of the age of the targeted tenants. The Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation and Housing explained that there would be flexibility but the focus was to target over 60s. In addition, that there was no perfect age to choose and that other tenants would still be considered.

• Asked how tenants would be encouraged to downsize and whether this would be managed by Devon Home Choice. The Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation and Housing explained that the aim was to invite tenants to free up family homes and that it would sit outside of Devon Homes Choice.

• Asked if there would be an option for right to buy, if covenants would be set and whether ground rent and service charges would apply. The Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation and Housing explained that details would be introduced to the Homes PDG and that in terms of right to buy a certain percentage could be exempt from this and that all details would be made aware to incoming tenants. There was an aim to build a community and that policies would be made clear outlining any service charges.

• Concern was raised over the cost of £100k and felt that this report was good enough for tax-payers. In addition, it was felt  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43