Decision

RESOLVED That Cabinet recommended to Council:

1. 1)           To approve the delivery of the Bushey Community Hub, including a foodstore, children’s nursery, community facilities, associated infrastructure and public realm improvements, as part of the redevelopment of Bushey Golf & Country Club.
2. 2)           To approve a gross capital budget of up to £31.6 million to support delivery of the Community Hub and associated infrastructure.
3. 3)           To approve the reinvestment of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) receipts arising from the residential development on the site, estimated at approximately £4.7 million, as funding towards the approved capital budget for the Community Hub and associated infrastructure.
4. 4)           To approve the funding strategy for the project and note that, after taking account of the value of the residential development land, Community Infrastructure Levy receipts and other project-related income, the Council's net funding contribution is currently estimated to be approximately £3.0 million and to approve a maximum net financial commitment of £4.0 million inclusive of contingency.
5. 5)           To approve the Council entering into a Development Agreement with Hill Group and Griggs Homes to deliver the Community Hub and associated infrastructure, funded principally through the development of approximately 250 homes including 50% affordable housing, whilst securing the retention of approximately 60% of the site as publicly accessible open space.
6. 6)           To approve the disposal of the residential development land required to facilitate the approved scheme, noting that the value generated through the housing development will be used to support delivery of the Community Hub and associated infrastructure.
7. 7)           To approve the Council entering into Agreements for Lease with key occupiers of the Community Hub, including the proposed foodstore, nursery and other community occupiers.
8. 8)           To delegate authority to the Head of Asset Management & Engineering Services, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer, Monitoring Officer, Portfolio Holder for Asset Management & Engineering Services and Portfolio Holder for Finance & Budget, to finalise and enter into the Development Agreement, Agreements for Lease and all associated and ancillary legal documentation, and agree any non material amendments that do not materially alter the approved scheme or increase the Council's approved financial commitment. 

Reasons for decision

The proposal delivers the objectives established by the Cross-Party Member Working Group and provides a balanced approach to housing delivery, community benefit and environmental protection.

Specifically, the proposal provides:

• Approximately 250 new homes.

• 50% affordable housing.

• A new Community Hub including a foodstore, nursery and community facilities.

• Approximately 60% of the site retained as publicly accessible green space.

• Protection and enhancement of key landscape features. • Long-term assets retained in Council ownership.

• Community infrastructure capable of accommodating future public services should requirements change under local government reorganisation.

• New revenue-generating assets capable of supporting future Council services.

The scheme provides a logical extension to Bushey Village, balancing housing delivery with community benefit and environmental protection. Rather than receiving a one-off capital receipt, the Council will secure a new Community Hub and other long-term income-generating assets that will remain in Council ownership. The proposal also represents a strong financial outcome for the Council. The value generated from the residential development land, together with a limited Council contribution, will secure completed community and commercial assets that will remain in Council ownership and generate a long-term income stream. The current proposals guarantee 50% affordable housing, a new Community Hub and the retention of approximately 60% of the site as protected public open space. These outcomes are secured through the current proposal and cannot be guaranteed if the site is brought forward for development in the future. Officers therefore consider this proposal to represent the optimum balance between housing delivery, affordability, community benefit, environmental protection, financial sustainability and delivery certainty.

Alternative Options Considered

The proposed Development Agreement is considered to provide the best balance between housing delivery, community benefit, environmental protection, financial sustainability and risk management.