Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 19, 2026

Purpose:

Content: 10.1 The Assistant Director of Property and Chief Property Officer introduced the report which proposed to dispose of a parcel of open space land at Ardmore Street, Attercliffe for the delivery of Affordable Housing. A written objection to the proposed disposal of the land had been received. Finance & Performance Policy Committee was asked to consider the objection and agree to the disposal of the land.     10.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Finance and Performance Policy Committee:-   a)    Consider the objection to the proposed disposal of open space land at Ardmore Street, Attercliffe and the response to that objection as set out in the report and Appendix B; and b)    Approve the disposal of the land to the Purchaser and for the purpose set out in the report.     10.3 Reasons for Decision     10.3.1 The disposal will contribute towards the Councils wider objective to deliver more affordable housing for the people of Sheffield. The disposal will ensure delivery of 59 units for social rent and the Council will also have nomination rights for the new homes ensure housing need is met.     10.3.2 A contaminated site will be remediated and will contribute to regeneration of a deprived area in Attercliffe.     10.3.3 The disposal will raise capital and revenue for the Council.     10.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     10.4.1 Withdraw from the sale and do nothing   This is not considered appropriate because:   ·       The site would remain in the Councils ownership, and an on-going maintenance liability would remain with the authority. ·       The grant to remediate the site would potentially be lost so that the contaminated site would not be remediated and could not be brought forward for future residential development for the delivery of Affordable Housing. ·       The site has been identified in the Housing Growth Delivery Plan 2025- 2030 as a location for new affordable housing. ·       Planning considers the merits of the allocation of the sites for open space purposes when allocating land for housing. The severe shortage of housing land in the city is a known issue. ·       By doing nothing, the Council may establish a precedent for future land disposals and thus prevent them from coming forward as housing sites in the future.       10.4.2 The Council to deliver the site itself for new affordable housing   This option has been rejected because:   ·       The Council does not currently have sufficient resources to deliver all the affordable homes that are required to meet the growing housing need within the city. ·       Investment in new homes needs to be balanced against resources required for repairs and improvements to existing stock whilst remaining financially prudent. ·       As a result, and in line with the approved Housing Growth delivery plan 2025-30, a programme of land disposals to increase the supply of affordable homes is also being progressed. This still supports the increased delivery of affordable homes but at less capital cost to the Council.