The Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Shropshire Council met on Thursday 3 September 2026. The committee reviewed the call-in of a Cabinet decision regarding the Oswestry SUE Corner Site, discussed the progress of the Shropshire Local Plan, and received an update on the Social Housing Regulator framework.

Call-In of Oswestry SUE Corner Site - Asset Decision

The committee considered a call-in by the Green and Progressive Independents Group regarding a Cabinet decision made on 5 August 2026 concerning the Oswestry SUE Corner Site. The purpose of the call-in was for the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee to review the Cabinet's decision. The report of the Scrutiny Manager, the call-in notice from the Green and Progressive Independent Group, the Oswestry SUE Corner Site – Asset Decision Report, and the Local Plan – Shrewsbury Road Oswestry were made available. Supplementary information requested following the Cabinet meeting and call-in request was delayed to allow for its incorporation and verification.

Shropshire Local Plan

Edward West, Planning Policy and Strategy Manager, provided an overview of the progress on the new Shropshire Local Plan. He explained that the council is currently in an early engagement phase, seeking views on the future vision for Shropshire, desired outcomes, planning policies, evidence requirements, and how housing, employment, and other development needs will be met. Mr. West clarified that this stage is about gathering views and evidence, not consulting on specific development sites or growth options. The new national planning system includes gateway assessments to keep the plan-making process on schedule and ensure scrutiny by Planning Inspectors at key stages. Public consultation on a draft plan, including housing numbers, settlement growth, and preferred development sites, is anticipated in spring 2027, with adoption expected in 2029. The Local Plan will encompass housing, employment, transport, infrastructure, environmental matters, and wider community needs.

Members discussed how scrutiny could engage with the Local Plan process, suggesting that the committee should receive updates before key gateway assessments to allow for comments and influence. Mr. West agreed that gateway stages would be useful milestones for scrutiny involvement, and the Chair proposed incorporating these updates into the committee's work programme. Concerns were raised about the alignment between the Local Plan and other strategic documents, particularly the Local Transport Plan, with members stressing the importance of integrated planning for housing growth, transport infrastructure, and economic development. Mr. West confirmed that government guidance expects these plans to align and that the current timing of their development provides a valuable opportunity for them to inform each other. He also reiterated that the Local Plan would address employment land and broader economic needs.

Councillor David Walker, Portfolio Holder for Planning, emphasised the importance of joined-up planning, noting that the simultaneous development of major strategies like the Local Plan and Local Transport Plan offered a chance for a more integrated strategy. He assured members that scrutiny would have opportunities to examine the evidence gathered during plan-making and that the Local Plan must respond to national housing targets and the diverse needs of communities across the county. Questions were also raised about the consideration of agriculture and rural development, with Mr. West explaining that previous plans included policies supporting rural businesses and agricultural development, and similar policies are expected in the new plan. Agricultural land quality will be a factor in site assessment.

Regarding the promotion of the current consultation, Mr. West reported on press releases, drop-in events, library engagement, area committee involvement, and contact with community groups and councils. He confirmed that information had been circulated to all members and agreed to reshare the consultation link. Members expressed concerns about maps on the council's website showing land submitted through the call-for-sites process, asking if residents could comment. Mr. West clarified that these sites were submitted by landowners for consideration and are not council proposals or decisions. While comments at this stage would be considered, the formal opportunity for public comment on potential allocations will be during the draft plan consultation in 2027.

Further discussion focused on local housing needs, including affordable homes, accommodation for younger people, bungalows for older residents, and supporting rural communities. The Planning Policy and Strategy Manager reiterated that no site decisions had been made and that the early engagement aimed to involve local communities in shaping the plan before draft proposals.

Recommendation: It was agreed that the Local Plan should be revisited by the committee at key gateway stages and before major consultations and decision points, with this integrated into the committee's future work programme.

Social Housing Regulator

Paula Mawson, Service Director for Communities and Customer, and Laura Fisher, Head of Housing, Resettlement and Independent Living, presented an overview of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and the strengthened regulatory framework for social housing providers. They informed members that the updated framework prioritises tenant safety, housing quality, tenant voice, accountability, and compliance. Shropshire Council, as a registered social housing provider, will now be subject to inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing. Officers stressed that while STAR Housing manages the council's housing stock daily, Shropshire Council itself will be inspected and held accountable for meeting regulatory standards.

The key objectives of the Social Housing Regulator were outlined, with inspections focusing on safety and quality, transparency and accountability, neighbourhoods and communities, and tenancy services. Inspections are generally expected every four years but can vary based on identified risks or concerns. Landlords must demonstrate compliance through robust evidence, with particular emphasis on tenant satisfaction, health and safety, repairs performance, and tenant engagement.

During the discussion, the Chair sought clarification on the relationship between the council and STAR Housing, questioning how the council could be inspected when STAR Housing managed day-to-day operations. Officers explained that the council, as the registered provider, remains accountable for governance, oversight, and performance management. STAR Housing would be involved in inspections, but the regulator would hold the council responsible for demonstrating appropriate monitoring and assurance arrangements.

The Chair also inquired about the monitoring of standards in areas such as neighbourhood management and anti-social behaviour. Officers detailed mechanisms including tenant satisfaction measures, performance indicators, complaint monitoring, safeguarding arrangements, and direct oversight of complex housing cases. A newly established council post will enhance monitoring, particularly for vulnerable tenants. Information from tenants, performance reports, and partnership working will inform the council's assessment of service quality.

Members asked if the regulator would engage directly with STAR Housing during inspections. Officers confirmed that the regulator's primary engagement would be with Shropshire Council, but STAR Housing would be fully involved in providing evidence. They also noted that scrutiny itself is part of the regulatory framework, and inspectors may review committee activity and accountability arrangements.

Clarification was sought on the inspection regime, including who conducts inspections and their frequency. Officers confirmed inspections are by the Regulator of Social Housing, and providers complete annual self-assessments against regulatory standards. These self-assessments help determine if further investigation is needed. If significant issues are identified internally, the council is expected to self-refer. The Regulator may conduct inspections outside the normal cycle if circumstances warrant.

Members acknowledged the committee's potential role in supporting the council's regulatory responsibilities by reviewing compliance, performance, and tenant outcomes. They were informed about STAR Housing's annual tenant engagement exercise, The Big Check In, where members could potentially accompany officers and speak directly with tenants.

Recommendation: Members welcomed the update and agreed that the Social Housing Regulator, tenant satisfaction, and compliance monitoring should remain part of the committee's future work programme, with a further update scheduled for the November meeting.

Work Programme

Claire Braddock, Overview & Scrutiny Officer, presented the draft work programme, developed from a June work programming session. She emphasised that the programme is flexible and member-led, with listed items representing key areas for the coming year. Members are encouraged to influence the subjects considered and the information provided in reports.

Members highlighted specific areas for future reports, with one member expressing particular interest in financial performance and risk exposure. The Chair agreed that given the council's financial position, scrutiny should consider financial sustainability and risk management in all relevant reports and invited members to submit detailed questions.

A discussion also covered Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 funding. Members were informed that a review of CIL operations had been completed, with recommendations accepted. Proposals for a revised approach to administering and allocating CIL funding are being prepared to enhance transparency and democratic oversight. The committee is expected to scrutinise the new arrangements and the effectiveness of allocated funding by the November meeting. Members stressed the importance of understanding where developer contributions have been spent, the outcomes achieved, and remaining delivery challenges. Officers suggested that CIL and Section 106 monitoring could become a regular feature of the work programme.

Referring back to the Local Plan discussion, members agreed that scrutiny updates should be scheduled at key gateway stages to ensure committee involvement before major decisions. The Chair confirmed this would be incorporated into the work programme, maintaining flexibility for changing priorities.

Recommendation: It was agreed that the Chair and Vice-Chair would have delegated authority to develop the work programme and establish task and finish groups between meetings, ensuring all members are kept informed.

The next meeting of the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Meeting was scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.