Decision details

Councillor Clare Cummins, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, presented the report which sought approval for the disposal of Council-owned brownfield land in Bury, which had the potential to provide much needed supported housing for young adults with a physical and/or sensory disability or learning disability. Full financial details were contained in Part B of this report. Members voiced their support for this scheme and the support it provided for those with disabilities. It was noted that the housing would be built to the latest low carbon and eco-friendly standards and, in response to a Member’s question, Councillor Cummins undertook to report back outside the meeting as to whether provision for electric car parking was included. It was also noted that this site would also be subject to a planning application.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.   Approved the disposal of this site for supported living in accordance with the terms included within Part B of this report; and

2.   Delegated the finalised terms of the agreement to the Director of Economic Regeneration and Capital Growth in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, the Cabinet Member for Housing Services, S151 Officer and Monitoring Officer.

Reasons for the decision:

To facilitate the Councils Brownfield first approach to housing delivery, to accelerate the delivery of specialist accommodation to help meet the requirements of young adults with additional support needs, and to reduce revenue cost to the Council for holding, maintaining, and securing long-term derelict sites.

Other options considered and rejected:

Do nothing: Bury has high levels of housing need for specialist accommodation and supply is required in the marketplace immediately.

Market the site: Irwell Valley are proposing to deliver a bespoke supported housing scheme which would not be delivered in the current housebuilding marketplace.

The Council is currently disposing of 50+ additional sites through the Accelerated Land Disposal Programme. Capacity is limited and there is an acute shortage of specialist accommodation in the Borough. This disposal is ‘oven ready’, allowing resources to be spent unlocking other brownfield housing sites.