Issue - meetings

The report provides an update to the approach to housing development, including risks, governance, and progress of the schemes.

The Head of Development, Place introduced the report which an update on the Housing Development Programme, focussing on the progress of the schemes, the governance structure and the approach to identifying and managing risks. 

In response to questions from Members concerning construction costs, officers   confirmed that construction costs were high and continued to rise and that the build cost per unit had been increased to £400k on average.

The factors which had impacted on the build out cost were due to the supply chain, which remained uncertain, cost and shortage of labour, and the sales value.

Build cost inflation due to current market conditions would impact on the viability of schemes but despite the increases, the housing was still needed, and the Council was working closely with partners to mitigate the cost increases.

AGREED that the update to the approach to housing development programme, including risks to the Council, the risk controls embedded at all stages of the project cycle, governance structure and progress of the schemes be noted.