Issue - meetings

Consideration has been given to the freehold transfer of land at Whitley Court in Wrekenton to the Gateshead Regeneration Partnership; and, subsequently, for the Council (in its housing authority role), to purchase 28 family homes, 12 supported apartments and 4 supported bungalows built on that land, by Gateshead Regeneration Partnership, for the amount set out in the report, using funds from the Housing Revenue Account.  The units would predominantly be for affordable rent to be retained by the Council, with 8 houses available for affordable sale.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the content of the Business Plan cost as set out appendix 3 to the report be noted.

(ii)

That the submission of an Affordable Homes Programme funding bid to Homes England as set out in the report be approved.

(iii)

That the transfer of the freehold interest of the Whitley Court site to Gateshead Regeneration Partnership for nil consideration be approved.

(iv)

That the acquisition of the 44 properties from Gateshead Regeneration Partnership for the amount set out in the report be approved.

(v)

That the Strategic Director, Housing, Environment & Healthy Communities following consultation with Strategic Director Economy, Innovation and Growth, Strategic Director Resources & Digital and Strategic Director Corporate Services & Governance be authorised to agree a market value, and enter into an Agreement for Sale with Gateshead Regeneration Partnership that formalises staged deposit payments, milestones and ensures that the Council is purchasing the properties in accordance with the specification designed by Gateshead Regeneration Partnership.

(vi)

That the Strategic Director, Housing, Environment & Healthy Communities, following consultation with the Strategic Director Corporate Services & Governance be authorised to accept the Homes England funding offer and enter into the Homes England Grant Funding Agreement.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To support the delivery of 44 homes, with a start on site in January 2021.

(B)

To help secure affordable homes funding from Homes England for the proposed housing.

(C)

To enable income to accrue to the Council; and training, employment and socio-economic benefits for the residents and businesses of Gateshead.

(D)

To utilise the Council’s land and property portfolio to support the Council’s policy priorities in accordance with the provisions of the Council’s Corporate Asset Strategy and Management Plan 2015 – 2020.