Issue - meetings

A report from the Director of Regeneration and Environment is attached. This proposes a strategy and mechanism for delivering a pilot programme of affordable, custom build homes and also self-build homes, on smaller scale Council owned sites in Enfield. (Key decision – reference number 4200)

(Report No.10)

(8.30 – 8.35 pm)

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Housing Regeneration) introduced the report of the Director of Regeneration and Environment (No.10) proposing a strategy and mechanism for delivering a pilot programme of affordable, custom build homes, and also self-build homes, on smaller scale Council owned sites in Enfield.

NOTED

1.               The potential benefits for Enfield residents in the provision of such affordable housing as set out in the report. Councillor Oykener highlighted the return to the Council and affordability of the housing as detailed in section 3 of the report and, drew Members’ attention to the example outlined in paragraph 3.16 of the report.

2.               The Table provided in section 3.35 of the report setting out an initial schedule of sites that were being considered for custom build development. Members questioned the location of the sites, the majority of which were in EN3. In response, it was noted that sites across the Borough were being considered and that it was a pilot programme at this stage. The sites were in the main redundant garages.

3.               The valuations of four garage sites as outlined in paragraph 4.3 of the report. Councillor Oykener explained the proposals and financial implications for the Council, as detailed in the report. The new properties would be provided as leasehold. Members noted that a number of the sites in question were currently in a poor state of repair.

4.               Councillor Orhan whilst fully supporting the proposals drew Members’ attention to the eligibility criteria set out in paragraph 6.3.2.1 and expressed the desire for the criteria to be further developed in the future to include those who were unable to access housing of any type through the normal mechanisms; there was scope for further innovative and creative developments in the future.

5.               In response to a question raised, it was noted that there was already an expressed level of interest in such housing highlighted through the local ownership and shared ownership schemes. Members were advised that traditional design build was being considered for such permanent housing; it was intended to have a simplistic external design with potential involvement of residents in the internal design as appropriate for each individual scheme. Members’ attention was drawn to paragraph 3.36 of the report setting out the proposals for custom build schemes and possible self-build opportunities for individuals.

6.               The work which was also being undertaken by Housing Gateway.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED, the following options which had been considered as set out in full in section 4 of the report: Do nothing; Disposal of the sites at full market value; development of sites for new housing by the Council; flexible housing; and, bring the sites back into use as garages or parking areas.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to authorise

1.               The Council to adopt the strategy and mechanism for enabling custom build and self-build development as set out in this report, with reference to the draft Heads of Terms appended as Appendix 1 to the report.

2.               The Council to grant  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8