The meeting focused on the review of the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy, with discussions on various aspects of housing policy, including affordable housing, housing for specific groups, and environmental considerations. Key issues included the need for affordable housing, the challenges of meeting housing needs, and the importance of sustainability in new and existing housing stock.

Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy

The main topic of discussion was the review of the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy. The strategy aims to address housing needs in the Greater Cambridge area, with a focus on affordability, sustainability, and meeting the needs of specific groups.

Affordable Housing

• Affordable Housing Targets: The strategy aims for 40% affordable housing in new developments. However, there are challenges in meeting this target due to viability issues.
• Housing for Local Workers: The strategy promotes housing options for local workers rather than targeting specific groups. This is to ensure a broader reach and avoid limiting housing to certain professions.
• Service Charges: Concerns were raised about service charges in affordable housing. While the council can monitor and influence charges in social housing, it has limited control over private sector charges.

Housing for Specific Groups

• Care Leavers: The strategy includes provisions for care leavers, ensuring they are prioritized in housing allocations. The council will monitor the effectiveness of these measures through key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Accommodation: An assessment is underway to determine the needs of these communities. The council aims to provide appropriate sites with necessary facilities.
• Young People and Key Workers: The strategy acknowledges the high cost of housing for young people and key workers. It promotes build-to-rent schemes and other models to provide affordable options.

Environmental Considerations

• New Homes: The strategy emphasizes the need for new homes to be energy-efficient and sustainable. There were calls for more concrete commitments on the use of renewable energy and low-carbon technologies.
• Retrofitting Existing Homes: The council has a significant program for retrofitting existing housing stock to improve energy efficiency. This includes installing air source heat pumps, double glazing, and insulation. The council aims to bring all homes up to an EPC rating of C by 2030.

Other Topics

Self and Custom Build Housing

• The council maintains a register of people interested in self and custom build housing. However, there has been a shortfall in the number of permissions granted compared to the number of people on the register. The council will provide a written response to clarify the situation.

Park Homes

• Concerns were raised about the vulnerability of residents in park homes, particularly the elderly. The council will consider including more specific provisions for park home residents in the strategy.

Recommendations and Next Steps

• The strategy will be reviewed annually, with updates to the summary of evidence and other annexes as needed.
• The council will consider the recommendations made during the meeting, including the need for more detailed commitments on environmental measures and the inclusion of park home residents in the strategy.
• The strategy will be presented to the cabinet for approval, with Councillor Anna Braden taking the scrutiny report to the cabinet meeting on July 25th.

The meeting concluded with a review of the work program and an acknowledgment of the thoroughness and accessibility of the housing strategy document.