Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor William Meyer

(This report contains an exempt appendix. Any discussion of these must take place at item 13 following exclusion of the public.)

(Key decision):

(1) To approve the updated business case, as set out at the exempt appendix to the report and Capital Budget Allocation (up to £7.1m) for the project known as the Former Newhaven Police Station within the capacity of the HRA Capital Programme.

(2) To authorise the Director of Regeneration and Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Chief Finance Officer, to carry out all necessary actions to facilitate the project including financing, feasibility, development and determining the terms of, and authorising the execution of, all necessary documentation.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning, providing an update on the progress of the housing delivery programme.

Policy and Performance Advisory Committee (PPAC), held on 21 September   2022 considered the report and were supportive of the officer recommendations in full. Councillor Boorman, Chair of Policy and Performance Advisory Committee, was in attendance to present PPAC’s discussion.

Visiting member and Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Linington addressed the Cabinet, echoing comments made at PPAC. Following a question around rent income, the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning advised that the work set out in 3.4 of the report had led to rent levels being set at approximately 67% of the 22/23 Local Housing Allowance levels. Despite the changes to market rents nationally, the Council continued to maintain rent levels at circa 60% of the market.

Resolved (Key decision):

(1) To approve the updated business case, as set out at the exempt appendix to the report and Capital Budget Allocation (up to £7.1m) for the project known as the Former Newhaven Police Station within the capacity of the HRA Capital Programme.

(2) To authorise the Director of Regeneration and Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Chief Finance Officer, to carry out all necessary actions to facilitate the project including financing, feasibility, development and determining the terms of, and authorising the execution of, all necessary documentation.

Reason for decisions:

To provide progress updates and secure the necessary approvals to bring forward on going key housing development projects within the district.

Notes: (1) Appendix 1 remained exempt. (2) Exempt information reason 3 - Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).