Decision Maker: Cabinet, Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: September 10, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Decision   RESOLVED that Cabinet:   1.1 Approved the sale of the land identified in Appendix A for residential development (indicatively 100 homes of which 50% will be affordable), subject to the purchaser securing an appropriate planning consent and the terms outlined in Part 2 of this report later on the agenda. 1.2 Authorised the Head of Asset Management & Engineering Services and Chief Finance Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Asset Management and the Portfolio Holder for Finance & Budget to agree detailed sale terms. 1.3 Authorised the Council’s Legal Services to prepare and complete all necessary documentation to give effect to the sale including settling the detailed terms of the overage agreement and associated legal documents.   Reasons for decision   The disposal of the site for residential development is recommended because:   It is surplus to operational requirements and does not form part of the Council’s future service delivery needs.   Delivers Capital Funding – Generates a substantial capital receipt which can be applied to reduce the impact of the Council’s Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) or Borrowing Need charged to the revenue account.   Supports Housing Delivery – Enables the delivery of new homes in accordance with the Council’s Local Plan objectives and Government housing targets.   Provides Affordable Housing – Facilitates the inclusion of affordable housing units to meet identified local need.   Optimises Land Use – Brings an underutilised or surplus Council asset into productive use, reducing ongoing maintenance and security costs.   Stimulates the Local Economy – Creates construction jobs and supports local supply chains during development, with longer-term economic benefits from increased population.   Increases Future Revenue Streams – Expands the Council’s tax base, generating additional Council Tax income and potential New Homes Bonus (subject to Government policy).   Aligns with Strategic Priorities – Contributes to the delivery of the Council’s Corporate Plan objectives and Medium-Term Financial Strategy.   The proposed residential use aligns with the Local Plan’s housing growth objectives and contributes     Alternative Options Considered   Retain the site: This would not generate a capital receipt and would require ongoing maintenance costs.   Develop the site directly: This would require significant upfront capital investment and involve higher financial risk. Further, there would be internal resource issues with regards both capacity, and skillset.   Dispose without planning condition: This would reduce control over the future use and will reduce the sale price.