Agenda item

The committee is requested to consider the contents of this report and provide comments on the New Housing Strategy and Action Plan.

By means of a report by the Head of Economy, Regeneration & Housing Delivery. (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), The Economic Growth Strategy Report was presented to the Panel.

Concerns were expressed regarding the implications for rural areas. While acknowledging and supporting the points set out in paragraph 7.215 of the report, attention was drawn to the limited availability of local services and transport links in such communities. It was noted that access to essential services, such as GP appointments, often requires the use of a private vehicle, which can be costly to maintain. The rationale for granting planning permission for affordable housing in rural locations was questioned and it was requested that these considerations be fully reflected and addressed within the development of the new Strategy.

The Panel agreed with the points raised and it was emphasised the importance of ensuring that, when developing a housing strategy, proposed sites are appropriate, accessible, and well?served by local amenities. She stressed that such considerations should be approached at a strategic level. Councillor Tevlin further highlighted the need to prioritise locations with adequate infrastructure and to ensure that community engagement forms a key part of the decision?making process.

The Panel was advised that the question raised related to planning decisions, which do not form part of the Council’s strategic approach to housing. It was acknowledged that a wide range of factors are considered when determining planning applications. The Panel was reminded that the purpose of the policy is to outline the identified needs and challenges which will be incorporated in the Local Plan review.

It was noted that a significant number of housing schemes delivered within rural communities are brought forward under the Rural Exception Policy, as set out in the current Local Plan. Members were advised that such schemes are typically supported by Parish Councils, informed by the housing needs assessments undertaken through the Council’s partnership work with Cambridgeshire ACRE. It was emphasised that the Policy requires clear evidence of local housing need before any Rural Exception Site can be granted permission.

Support for the report was expressed by the Panel. They asked whether the proposed actions could be further developed to provide greater clarity and requested a more detailed explanation of the strategy and its implementation.

It was noted that Officers would be happy to provide Members with further detail on how the Team operates and how specific actions are delivered, should Members require it. Officers also advised that they anticipate the Strategy may be reviewed and refreshed by a future Administration. The structure of the current document was designed intentionally to allow for future development and expansion.

It was noted that several recent legislative changes will inform a number of key service?specific actions that the Council intends to deliver over the next year.

Concerns were raised regarding the projected increase in residents with mobility issues and dementia, noting that the report did not indicate a corresponding rise in the provision of M4(3) housing. He suggested that the Council consider alternative models, such as building homes that can be more easily adapted for wheelchair use in the future, as this may reduce long?term costs. It was queried how developers could be encouraged or required to incorporate such adaptability from the outset.

It was confirmed that LPAG has held discussions regarding disability and accessibility requirements within housing provision. Members were advised that significant work has been undertaken to establish the Council’s expectations in this area, which will form part of the emerging New Local Plan. It was noted that the Housing Strategy Team is currently working alongside the Local Plan Team to consider the viability aspects of delivering new accessible housing. Members acknowledged that incorporating M4(3) standards at the outset is considerably more cost?effective than adapting properties retrospectively. An option under consideration is to adopt a graded approach using M4(3), given the range of accessibility levels it offers. The aim is to ensure that new homes are accessible, provide a suitable living environment for residents, and support individuals to remain in their homes for as long as possible without requiring additional facilities or care.

After further comments from the Panel, it was confirmed that this Housing Strategy identifies an overall need and direction of travel which will help to inform the policy. The Council will then be able to use other guidance notes which could then help in discussions with developers as earlier suggested.

In response to a question regarding risks, the Panel was advised that the Housing Strategy enables the Team to work collaboratively across the organisation. Teams including Communities, Private Sector Housing, and Housing Needs and Homelessness have contributed to the development of the Strategy, which helps to mitigate risk.

In response to a query regarding the Council’s progress in implementing the Housing Strategy, the Panel’s attention was drawn to the case studies set out within the report. These examples highlighted the challenges faced, while demonstrating the significant progress made in delivering much?needed affordable housing across the District.

It was requested that the report be made clearer and more relevant for residents, ensuring it sets out what the Council plans to do to increase the delivery of affordable housing.

The Panel was advised that the Team would use the Council’s website to clearly communicate to residents the actions being taken as part of the Housing Strategy.

Concerns were expressed regarding the Housing Providers, suggesting that new providers should be sought due to the volume of complaints she has received from residents.

It was noted that the District currently has housing stock that does not meet the quality standards the Council expects, due in part to long?term underinvestment in previous years. The Administration acknowledged that it cannot simply issue directives to improve conditions and is instead working collaboratively with Housing Association partners to support residents more effectively. Members were advised that the Council maintains regular engagement with Places for People, including quarterly meetings. A recent meeting with Members has also enabled direct contact between them and the organisation. It was confirmed that this improved engagement has strengthened the Council’s relationship with Places for People over the past year, and the organisation is now implementing significant improvements to its housing stock within the District.

In response to a question from relating to Key Worker eligibility and local connection criteria, the Panel was advised that a local connection is ideally defined as both living and working within the area; however, applicants who solely work in the area may also meet the requirement. Officers emphasised the importance of Key Worker provision and confirmed that work is underway to expand this offer. The Edison Bell Way scheme was highlighted as a current example, as it is being specifically targeted towards Key Workers due to its location.

It was recognised that the Strategy would be subject to change due to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and that there were gaps regarding risk management, referencing no account for developer behaviour.

The Panel heard that this would be taken into account and added to the Strategy.

Following the discussion, it was

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations within the report.