Agenda item - Custom Build and Self-Build Programme in Enfield

Agenda item

Custom Build and Self-Build Programme in Enfield

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)

Minutes:

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 head-lease(s) and leases to an external organisation engaged by the Council on the terms contained in the draft Heads of Terms appended as Appendix 1 to the report, to enable affordable custom build development, initially for the sites in Table 1, subject to viability. The final Heads of Terms would be in accordance with the Property Procedure Rules.

 

3.               The Council to explore whether the lease hold structure was viable for self-build development, and grant head-lease(s) and leases to individuals for self-build development on the terms contained in the Heads of Terms at Appendix 1 of the report. The final Heads of Terms would be in accordance with the Property Procedure Rules. Should the leasehold approach not be viable for individual self-build sites, the Property Procedure Rules enable the Council to dispose of sites for self-build development which were identified as surplus to requirements.

 

4.               The principle of an eligibility and selection criteria for both custom build homes and self-build plots, that priorities Enfield residents and people working in Enfield, and delegate authority to the Director – Regeneration and Environment in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Housing Regeneration to agree the final wording of the criteria. The organisation that develops and markets the custom build homes would need to meet the Council’s eligibility requirements.

 

5.               That a further report be presented to the Cabinet in 12 months’ time outlining the progress that had been made to date.

 

Reason: NOTED, that there were a number of benefits for Enfield in introducing an alternative delivery model such as Custom and Self Build, as set out in full in section 5 of the report.

(Key decision – reference number 4200)

Supporting documents: