Agenda item

(a)       That the Committee support the development of 92 new social and affordable homes at Llys Dewi, Penyffordd; Nant y Gro, Gronant and the Former Council Depot, Dobshill;

(b)       That the use of prudential borrowing to the value of £9.823m (subject to final approval and verification) to fund the proposed development of the new Council homes be supported;

(c)       That the Committee support and recommend the use of affordable housing grant of £1.903m and shared equity reserves, shared ownership receipts and commuted sums of £1.722m in total to contribute to scheme costs; and

(d)       That proposals to develop 17 affordable properties by NEW Homes (subject to NEW Homes Board approval) be noted.

The Housing Strategy Manager introduced a report to seek support to progress the next stages of the Council’s Strategic Housing and Regeneration Programme (SHARP).  He advised that the report also set out the proposals to develop 92 new social and affordable homes at the following sites:

·         Nant y Gro, Gronant

·         The Fomer Council Depot, Dobshill

·         Llys Dewi, Penyffordd (near Holywell)

The Housing Strategy Manager eported that the development of the above sites for social and affordable housing was a strategic priority for the Council and the sites were pre-agreed for inclusion within the SHARP.  He referred to the main considerations, as detailed in the report, on the proposed schemes, including location, proposed property types, design and layout, and projected build costs.  He said the report also identified the preferred funding options and detailed the Development Scheme Assumptions against which the viability of the schemes were measured and assessed.

Councillor Bernie Attridge commented on the unacceptable behaviour displayed by some members of the public towards officers during public consultation meetings on planning developments and outlined the need for housing within Flintshire.

Councillor Paul Shotton expressed his congratulations to the Chief Officer and her team for the successful new build schemes which had taken place so far and spoke of the high standard of new housing, citing the recent developments in Connah’s Quay as an example.  

Councillor Ray Hughes commented on the council house development in Leeswood and expressed his thanks to the Chief Officer and her team for their support.  He also asked that his thanks be passed to Michael Cunningham and his team, Whaitesfor the consideration and assistance given to local residents during the building programme.

In response to a question from Councillor David Cox, Councillor Bernie Attridge advised that all local members were invited to attend consultation events on proposed council house development within their ward. 

On behalf of Councillor Mike Reece, Councillor Rosetta Dolphin asked for an update on the development of the old Canton Depot site at Bagillt.  The Housing Strategy Manager agreed to contact Councillor Reece to advise him that progress was continuing.   

In response to the concerns raised by Councillor Sian Braun concerning the condition of roads in Gronant, Councillor Bernie Attridge said he would be making representation to ask for funding to be made available through the capital programme to address the matters raised by residents in the area during the consultation process. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee support the development of 92 new social and affordable homes at Llys Dewi, Penyffordd; Nant y Gro, Gronant and the Former Council Depot, Dobshill;

(b)       That the use of prudential borrowing to the value of £9.823m (subject to final approval and verification) to fund the proposed development of the new Council homes be supported;

(c)       That the Committee support and recommend the use of affordable housing grant of £1.903m and shared equity reserves, shared ownership receipts and commuted sums of £1.722m in total to contribute to scheme costs; and

(d)       That proposals to develop 17 affordable properties by NEW Homes             (subject to NEW Homes Board approval) be noted.