Decision details

(Cabinet Members with Special Responsibility Councillors Hamilton-Cox and Leytham)

Cabinet received a report from the Heads of Property Services and Regeneration and Policy which was exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Schedule 12a of the Local Government Act 1972 to obtain approval to the transfer of land to facilitate the development of affordable housing on Council owned land at Ashbourne Road, Lancaster.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the exempt report.

Following advice from officers Councillor Hamilton-Cox proposed, seconded by Councillor Bryning:

“(1)      That Cabinet agree to transfer the freehold interest in the land at Ashbourne Road, Lancaster to a registered housing provider as set out in the exempt report.

(2)        That Cabinet receive a further report in due course in relation to the funding mechanism.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)        That Cabinet agree to transfer the freehold interest in the land at Ashbourne Road, Lancaster to a registered housing provider as set out in the exempt report.

(2)        That Cabinet receive a further report in due course in relation to the funding mechanism.

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Head of Regeneration and Policy

Head of Property Services

Reasons for making the decision:

The Council’s Corporate Plan includes Housing Regeneration as a priority as well as seeking new opportunities to include affordable housing within schemes. At its October meeting (minute 48 refers) Cabinet agreed their strategic housing regeneration priorities for the foreseeable future and one of these priorities was: “to increase the supply and delivery of affordable housing schemes." The decision directly supports this priority.  In addition the decision indicates to the developer that the principle of disposal is acceptable thereby enabling the scheme to progress whilst the funding mechanism can be considered by Cabinet at a later date.