Decision

To approve and issue an Authority to Proceed and Eligibility Approval under the First Homes Scheme in respect of xxx, Barnham, West Sussex, PO22 xxx to Mr xxx and Miss xxx confirming that the applicants satisfy the relevant national and local eligibility criteria and may proceed with the purchase of the property under the First Homes Scheme.

Reasons for the decision

The applicants have been assessed and confirmed as meeting the eligibility requirements of the First Homes Scheme and the requirements set out within the Section 106 Agreement relating to planning reference BN/142/20/OUT – Century Gardens, Tars Farm, Barnham, West Sussex, PO22 0BD.

The property is being sold as a qualifying First Home with a market value of £340,000 and a discounted purchase price of £238,000, representing a 30% discount. The discounted purchase price complies with the First Homes requirement that the sale price after discount does not exceed £250,000.

The applicants have been verified as meeting the national First Homes eligibility criteria, including first-time buyer status and household income requirements. The application also satisfies the local eligibility criteria adopted by Arun District Council in respect of the development.

The proposed purchase is supported by a mortgage advance of £224,500 from Skipton, together with a purchaser contribution of £13,500.

The Authority to Proceed is valid for three months from the date of issue and enables the applicants to proceed towards exchange of contracts, subject to ongoing compliance with the First Homes eligibility requirements and the conditions of the approval.

Alternative options considered

1. Refuse the Authority to Proceed. This option was rejected as the applicants satisfy the national and local eligibility criteria and the proposed transaction complies with the requirements of the First Homes Scheme and associated planning obligations.

2. Defer the decision pending further information. This option was rejected as sufficient evidence and supporting documentation had been provided to enable the eligibility assessment to be completed.

3. Request amendments to the purchase arrangements. This option was rejected as the proposed purchase price, discount level and funding arrangements comply with the requirements of the First Homes Scheme and the relevant Section 106 Agreement.