Purpose

This
report identifies and seeks approval to allocate specific
affordable housing commuted sums to fund the expenditure approved
by Cabinet on 8 February 2024 to assist in the delivery of the
affordable housing provision at the site Land to East of Highgate
Hill and South of Copthall Avenue, Hawkhurst.

Decision

RESOLVED – That the affordable
housing commuted sum contributions identified in this report at
paragraph 2.4 be allocated to fund the expenditure approved by
Cabinet on 8 February 2024 to assist in the delivery of the
affordable housing provision at the site Land to East of Highgate
Hill and South of Copthall Avenue, Hawkhurst, Kent be
approved.

Reasons for the decision

Cabinet
have previously approved the commuted sum spend of £1,140,000
via a grant to Town & Country Housing Group, in line with the
affordable housing commuted spending policy and procedure to
deliver the scheme at the Land to East of Highgate Hill and South
of Copthall Avenue, Hawkhurst.  The
collected contributions identified in this report provide an
opportunity for the Council to fulfil this commitment and will
result in 18 much needed social rented homes being
delivered.
 
The
collected contribution pots identified in this report have
established obligations within their respective planning agreements
that would successfully be met if utilised as part of the commuted
sums to be paid for the delivery of social rented homes at Land to
East of Highgate Hill site.

Alternative options considered

To
utilise a different set of collected contributions not identified
in this report to fulfil the Council’s commitment of the
affordable housing commuted sums expenditure at the scheme Land to
East of Highgate Hill and South of Copthall Avenue, Hawkhurst,
Kent.