Issue - meetings

(a)       That the development of 12 new Council homes on the Custom House School site, Connah’s Quay be supported; and

(b)       That the standard scheme development assumptions as identified in section 1.20 of the report be supported.

The Chief Officer introduced a report to seek support to progress the next stages of the Council’s Strategic Housing and Regeneration Project (SHARP) and to set out the proposed design of the first development located at the former Custom House School site in Connah’s Quay.  The introduction of self-financing for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) had enabled the Council to commence its plans to develop new Council homes on a range of sites.

Detailed proposals were shared on the scheme in Connah’s Quay on which work was due to commence in February 2016.  Preparation of the plans had taken into consideration the need for sufficient parking on the site together with the design fitting with the local environment. The Flintshire Housing Standard, which had been adopted for use on all the Council’s new housing schemes, had been developed by a working group of Members, officers and tenants using industry standards.  This demonstrated the Council’s commitment to provide high quality living environments with adequate storage space and quality fixtures/fittings.  An update was also given on progress made towards future SHARP schemes and the delivery of various community benefits including the creation of an apprenticeship academy.

The report highlighted the approach to funding, utilising prudential borrowing for the Connah’s Quay scheme, with future projects to be reviewed case by case.  The Chief Officer circulated a financial analysis of build costs for the Connah’s Quay scheme which was subject to ongoing verification and challenge.  This included a breakdown of additional costs for drainage, parking etc, that was affordable within the HRA.  Members were assured that the total cost of the scheme (including borrowing, repairs, allowance for bad debt and empty properties etc) would be recovered through rental income over a 50 year period.

Councillor Aaron Shotton described this as a watershed moment for the Council, which addressed one of the priorities set out in the Improvement Plan as well as meeting the needs of residents and filling the void in the housing market.  He referred to the challenges encountered in reaching this stage which gave the opportunity to meet general housing needs and provide a high quality standard of living.

In thanking officers for the report, Councillor Ian Dunbar welcomed this first new build development under the SHARP programme and in particular the location of the scheme and parking provision.

As a point of accuracy on paragraph 3.02, Councillor Alison Halford pointed out that planning permission had been granted in December 2015 and took the opportunity to praise all those involved in making the right decision at that time.  She commented that the plans for the scheme demonstrated a good quality build and design.  On the costings provided, she queried the amount of £4,246 for car parking spaces.  The Chief Officer pointed out that this equated to £353 for a second car park space per property.  Consideration had been given to adequate parking provision, given the nearby school and traffic implications, and would be a key consideration for future developments to address the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63