Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth and Cabinet Member for Housing Services is attached.

Councillor Morris introduced the report which is seeking approval to accelerate delivery and bring forward high-quality, mixed typology housing at Pyramid Park and Q-Park, two key town centre, brownfield sites, both within council ownership. Councillor Morris highlighted the opportunity we have within Bury Town Centre to deliver almost 200 homes with mixed tenures. 

Cllr Birchmore queried what the percentage of social housing will be and what information we have about the ecology of the site.

Cllr Morris confirmed that the current proposals are looking at extra care and supported living schemes.  There is a recognition that there is an ecological value to the site. Some on site provision to enhance the ecology will be required and part of the detailed proposals that will be submitted.  

Robert Summerfield, Director of Regeneration and Project Delivery, confirmed the scheme tendered is planning compliant, so we will expect the minimum of social housing but hope they will be able to exceed it.

In terms of biodiversity net gain, we will achieve 10% biodiversity net gain across the site, with the majority of the net gain on site where possible. If we are unable to achieve net gain on the site we will seek to find alternative solutions to provide the biodiversity required. It is a statutory requirement to achieve this and this has been part of the tender process.  

Councillor Vernon queried how much control we have over land once we hand it over to the developer and what powers do we have to ensure they comply with what we have asked them to do. 

Councillor Morris advised we have a contract that states what we want the developer to deliver around intergenerational living and different types of homes.

Robert Summerfield, Director of Regeneration and Project Delivery, confirmed the key guiding factor is the housing strategy which has formed the quality element of the bidding process.  The site will be disposed subject to planning, and we have consulted with planners all the way through to ensure the site is compliant. Confident that what will be delivered is what is needed in the Town Centre, a multifaceted scheme which can also contribute to other council services. We will hold them to account as part of development agreement.

Cllr Birchmore queried whether it will come off the quota for required housing in the borough. 

Leader confirmed that these are some of the more obvious sites that are available in Bury and will make a contribution to the total housing numbers required across the borough.

Decision(s):

Cabinet: 

-       Approved the plans for disposal of the sites at Pyramid Park and Q-Park, to Watson Construction Ltd (Company number 08621624) as the Development Partner.

-       Delegated the award of all contractual documents for example a Development Agreement (if applicable),lease agreements, licence and other ancillary contracts) that relate to the appointment of Watson Construction Ltd (Company number 08621624), to the Executive Director of Place and Executive Director of Finance, and the council Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56

Report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth and Cabinet Member for Housing Services is to follow.

Councillor Morris presented the Part B report which included the full financial details.

Decision(s)

1.    As set out in Part A.

Reasons for decision(s)

2.    As set out in Part A.

Alternative options considered and rejected

3.    As set out in Part A.