To dispose of Council owned land and property for development of good quality housing.

Purpose

To dispose of Council owned land and property for development of good quality housing.

Reason for Decision

The Government’s policy is to boost the supply of homes in response to growing demand. Disposal of the land and property and its subsequent development, enabled through inward investment from government through Homes England, will help achieve this objective.

The proposed development will make a significant contribution to the ongoing regeneration of the South West Burnley area. In particular, development of the derelict Woodtop School building for good quality homes will address its current negative impact on the community.

As part of the overall scheme, the vacant adjacent land, west of Cog Lane, will also be developed.

Enabling development through the release of these property assets meets the Council’s policy of “creating flourishing, healthy and confident communities” and “making the Borough a place of choice” by assisting with the provision of a range of high-quality housing stock, of different designs and tenure.

It was noted that the Scrutiny Committee on the 13^th March 2019 had endorsed the report and its recommendations.

Decision

(1)  That approval be given to the disposal of the Council’s freehold interest in land and property at Woodtop School and land adjacent at Cog Lane, shown on the attached plan, to Calico Homes Ltd on the terms set out this report;

(2)  That the Head of Finance & Property, in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Member for Resources & Performance Management, be authorised to negotiate and agree terms of the relevant agreements; and

(3)  That the Head of Legal & Democratic Services be authorised to complete all legal documents necessary to give effect to this decision

To consider the endorsement of the report to the Executive regarding disposal of Council owned land and property for development of good quality housing.

Paul Gatrell reported on proposal for the disposal of Council owned land and property for the development of good quality housing.

Members asked questions about potential external funding, and whether it could be swiftly ascertained whether a potential new investor was a feasible option for consideration.

IT WAS AGREED

That the recommendations in the report be endorsed.