Purpose

The Housing Growth and
Regeneration team have agreed with Thirteen Group to extend the
option agreement dates on 2 sites (Main Avenue and Highmoor Lane)
which are parcelled in the RP Clusters Programme. The extension is
required due to delays faced to the programme and to allow for
contingency period.

There is a risk that if the expiry dates of the Option agreements
are not extended, Thirteen Group will not be in
a position to exercise the option before their expiry and
therefore being unable to proceed with their purchase and
development of the sites.
 
For Main Avenue and Highmoor
Lane the below extensions have been agreed, whilst further
discussions are being had regarding Mayman Lane
 

Site

Expiry Date

Proposed Extension
Date

Rationale

Main Avenue

30th July 2025

30th April
2026

Start on site date plus 3
months

Highmoor
Lane

29th August 2025

30th June
2026

Start on site date plus 3
months

 
 
This decision is in the best
interests to support the decision which was made at Cabinet to
dispose the RP clusters sites to Thirteen Group to bring forward
high quality, affordable and sustainable homes on five sites across
the district. The Council’s preferred partner is Thirteen
Group, who are a strategic partner of Homes England, as part of
Home’s England’s programme which supports registered
providers (housing associations) to deliver more affordable homes.
Thirteen Group were appointed by the Council following a
competitive land sale exercise.
 

Content

Decision to allow Thirteen
Group a period of contingency by extending the expiry dates of the
Option agreements in the event that any delays are encountered
gaining Planning Permission, agreeing valuations and disposal
terms agreed by relevant boards, which are all necessary for
Thirteen to exercise the Option agreements.