Issue - meetings

That Members support:-

·        the development brief so that it can be adopted as supplementary planning guidance

·        the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) powers if necessary

·        the resolution of Clwyd Alyn’s interest in 7 maisonettes

·        the tenure mix and “key principles” for the scheme which will then form a firm recommendation as to the delivery model for new homes

The Head of Housing introduced a report to consider the next steps in progressing delivery of the Housing element of the Flint town centre master plan.

She detailed the background to the report explaining that approximately 40 households remained occupied which was 12 months ahead of schedule and most who had vacated their properties had been housed in the local area.  One block of maisonettes had been demolished with a number of others close to being demolished by the end of the financial year.  The six strategic objectives for the plan for Flint were reported and paragraph 3.04 provided further information on the principles of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) if this was required.  If approval was given to the making of a CPO, it was intended to instigate the process as soon as possible.  However, this did not mean that the Council would have to rely on the CPO but it did allow for the flexibility to do so, should it become necessary. 

It was reported that two remaining leaseholders had rejected the offers made but officers would continue to engage with them in an attempt to reach an agreement.  Five of the maisonettes were originally owned by Clwyd Alyn Housing Association and the Council had a number of options to deal with the Clwyd Alyn interest on the site and these were detailed in the report.  Option 3 (agreeing a ‘deal in the round’) was the recommended option and the aim of the approach was that there would be no financial outlay for the Council in cash terms.  This arrangement would involve the Council providing land for future developments to an agreed value. 

The Head of Housing provided details of the current tenure mix in Flint town centre and explained that the broad tenure mix being planned was for 40 homes for social rent developed by a Registered Social Landlord and/or the Council, 15 homes for Rent to Buy, 105 homes at affordable (LHA) rents and 20 homes at market rents.  Appendix C provided a summary of each of the model options and risks and would be applied to arrive at final proposals once key principles had been agreed.  The Head of Housing explained the key questions to determine the final decision making and these were detailed in the report.  A development brief for Flint was also attached to the report and this was intended to compliment the vision for the regeneration of Flint town centre following the proposals contained in the Flint Strategy and Master Plan 2021. 

Councillor Rosetta Dolphin welcomed the plan and asked if Flint Town Council had been consulted.  She felt that the ‘deal in the round’ was the best option.  The Head of Housing confirmed that a presentation had been given to Flint Town Council some time ago and that further discussions would take place.

Councillor Peter Curtis welcomed the progress made in re-housing tenants which was ahead of schedule.  He asked if what was shown in the development brief  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21