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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.