Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 27, 2025

Purpose: The report sought approval to purchase an additional 11 homes in Thanet District Council’s Housing Revenue Account. The Council has reached a strategically sound deal with developer BDW, with whom it has worked previously to acquire the homes. This paper sought approval to proceed with the acquisition.

Content: Cabinet agreed the following:   1.  That the Council progresses with the acquisition of the 11 homes at an acquisition price of £1.44m.

Reasons for the decision: Purchasing the 11 properties at Tothill Street, Minster, will enable the Council to increase its housing stock further and provide additional homes that, through a local lettings plan, can help with the allocation of properties to those registered on the housing register and also households currently in temporary accommodation who are ready to sustain a long-term tenancy.

Alternative options considered: The Council could choose to not pursue this acquisition as it is already taking 24 homes on an earlier phase of the site, previously agreed by Cabinet in December 2023. However, the fact that the Council has secured assets in the area already means that management and maintenance will be simpler through having a presence in the area already.   The Council could ask the developer to consider an alternative mix of homes or different tenures - however the need for affordable rent is apparent now. Therefore, this mix is the most relevant to the needs clearly demonstrated. Furthermore, the Council is set up to manage affordable rent dwellings rather than home ownership units at the present time.   The Council could wait for longer to see if a registered provider (RP) would make an offer for the properties. However, RPs have yet to come back to the market and developers continue to look to the Council as a trusted delivery partner to get their sites away.