Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: July 16, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: Cabinet:   a)              Recommended to Council the establishment of the Capital budget as outlined in the Private Appendix A, including Capital expenditure for acquisition, build, fees and interest. b)              Authorised the Director of Communities and Opportunities, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer, Monitoring Officer and Cabinet Member for Housing, to conclude the terms of the acquisition from Vistry Group Limited and enter into the Land and Development Agreement and associated documents to appoint Vistry Group Limited as the Council’s development partner for the Harlestone Road housing site.   REASONS RESOLVED:   a)              The scheme will contribute 82 new homes to the delivery of the Council’s Housing Strategy and also its new Affordable Homes Delivery Plan, launched in November 2024 b)              Ensure the former petrol station site, a brownfield area is redeveloped, and that the outcome sees the Harlestone Road site developed to provide much needed affordable homes. c)               Provide local employment and to support the economic and social wellbeing of West Northamptonshire.   ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: The Council could decide not to proceed with the acquisition and evelopment Agreement with Vistry. The likelihood then would be that the land would be developed for open market housing with a small amount of Affordable Housing as part of the S106 Agreement. However, as Grant funding cannot be awarded for the S106 element of a scheme as a result, Strategic Partnership Funding would be lost, as would the opportunity for delivery of a high number of much needed Affordable Homes for Northampton.   WNC are investing in partnerships and joint venture, and this is key for relationships and Trust with Development Partners. If the scheme did not progress it is likely that the Councils integrity and reputation within the sector would suffer some damage, and this may also extend to reputation within Homes England.