Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Decision approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 5, 2024

Purpose: The Council has long been committed to supporting community-led housing as a way of delivering much needed new homes, driven by local residents. This report recommends agreement to a small site in Newham being used for the delivery of community-led housing by E16 CLT. The site is currently occupied by derelict garages. Disposal of the site to E16 CLT for the purpose of delivering community-led housing is dependent upon a number of conditions being met, including planning permission being granted and the Council being satisfied of the viability of the scheme.

Content: Decision   For the reasons set out in the report and its appendices Cabinet RESOLVED to Agree to:   i)  Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy and Housing in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing Needs, Homelessness and Private Rented Sector and Director of Property Services to agree:   a)  That the Land is no longer required for the purpose for which it is currently held and that it should be appropriated to planning purposes, to include:   · conducting all appropriate steps necessary to complete the appropriation in satisfaction of all legal/regulatory requirements; and · consideration of any objections to the intended appropriation before a decision to appropriate is made   b)  The final terms of the Agreement for Lease (“AFL”) and lease;   ii)  Approve the disposal of a 250 year lease in the Land to E16 CLT, as set out in the report and exempt appendix 1.   Alternatives Considered   a)  Developing the Land ourselves: although the Council has a strategic programme of small site development (Cabinet report July 2023), this Land was not identified as one that the Council would benefit from building out itself. b)  Disposal of the land for profit: this option was rejected because of the potential social value generated by disposing of the land to the CLT. As set out in 8.1.2, the expected income for the site if developed with 50% affordable would be 11 £490k, which is considered by the Council to be of less value than the delivery of 9 new homes which will be affordable to local residents in perpetuity. c)  Do nothing: doing nothing would continue to attract antisocial behaviour to the Land, as well as failing to make use of a key Council asset at a time of unprecedented financial pressures and housing need.