Purpose

This report seeks the approval of the Housing
and Homelessness Portfolio Holder to acquire the freehold interest
in ten new-build residential properties within the District.

Due to the pre-contract nature of this decision and the associated
commercial sensitivity, financial and site-specific information has
been set out within Confidential Appendix 1.

Decision

On 18 August 2025, Cllr Steve Davies the
Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness made the following
decision:

That in accordance with adopted strategic housing and development
objectives, it is recommended that the Council enters a Development
Agreement and Contract with the house builder to acquire the
freehold interest of the ten new-build homes for the sum disclosed
within Confidential Appendix 1.

Any member of the Council, who is not a Portfolio Holder, who
considers that this decision should be reviewed should give notice
using the call-in facility at the top of this page on the
Council’s intranet / extranet site. Alternatively, notice can
be given to the Monitoring Officer (Matt Wisdom) (in writing or by
e-mail) to be received ON OR BY 5.15 pm on 26 August 2025.

Details of the document the Portfolio Holder considered are
attached below

Reasons for the decision

The ten ‘S106’ affordable homes
fulfil a planning requirement imposed upon the approved development
to include a percentage of affordable housing under policy HOU2 of
the Local Plan (July 2020). By acquiring the homes from the
Developer, the Council is enabling the Planning Obligation to be
fulfilled.

The acquisition of the ten homes will meet the Corporate Plan
People Priority 3 (Meeting Housing Needs) through the Council
providing increased numbers of affordable homes, and by
demonstrating how the Council is working with developers and
landowners to bring forward opportunities for wider housing
provision to meet the needs of our communities through shared
ownership and other tenures. Opportunities will also arise through
the development which are likely to contribute towards and reduce
pressures on Priority 1 (Helping those in our community in the
greatest need).

Alternative options considered

See report (Options appraisal)