Decision details

The report will update on a number of Council housing development projects including approvals to commence construction, specifically the former Newhaven Police Station, together with funding proposals to support in the delivery of new Council homes by making best use of existing HRA assets

(Key decision):

(1) To approve the project known as the Former Newhaven Police Station, making an allocation within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme of up to £6.2m, in accordance with the business case as set-out at the Exempt Appendix 1 to the report.

(2) To approve the Council entering into a construction contract with the preferred bidder to build out the Former Newhaven Police Station, subject to the business case, demolishing the existing buildings and developing 21 new Council homes.

(3) To approve the disposal of the two HRA assets identified, in accordance with the business case as set-out at Exempt Appendix 2 to the report, including a policy to ring-fence the capital receipts generated within the annual budget to support in the financing of other Council-led housing developments in Lewes town, enabling the re-allocation of retained Right to Buy (RTB) receipts.

(4) To authorise the Director of Regeneration and Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Housing, Finance, and Assets, also the Chief Finance Officer, to carry out all necessary actions to facilitate the recommendations including feasibility, financing, appointment of professional services, development, sales, lettings, and determining the terms of, and authorising the execution of, all necessary documentation, in accordance with the business case(s).