Consideration has been given to the freehold transfer of the land at Birtley Northside, known as “Cell C”, to Gateshead Regeneration LLP (GRP), as shown edged red on the plan at appendix 3 to the report, to enable the development of 73 homes.

The alternative option to that being recommended, but which was discounted, included marketing the site on the open market.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the transfer of the freehold interest in the Cell C site for the amount set out in the report, in accordance with the Agreement for Sale to the GRP for the provision of new homes, be approved.

(ii)

That the current position with Homes England; the relationship to the Freight Depot site; the linkage of the Homes England Accelerated Construction Funding to outputs on the Freight Depot and the associated risks be noted.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To support the delivery of 73 homes at Birtley Northside, bringing the total GRP output at Birtley to 268 across three phases; and enable a further 270 homes on Freight Depot.

(B)

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

(C)

To bring forward a vacant Council owned site for redevelopment and remove holding costs to the Council.

(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 and Housing Strategy 2019-30.