Issue - meetings

Consideration has been given to approval in principle for the Council in its housing authority role, to purchase 28 family homes, 12 supported apartments and 4 supported bungalows from Gateshead Regeneration Partnership (GRP), using funds from the Housing Revenue Account, at Whitley Court in Wrekenton. The units would predominantly be for affordable rent managed by the Gateshead Housing Company, with scope to have a small number available for affordable sale (up to maximum of 10).

RESOLVED -

(i)

That acquiring the 44 properties from GRP, subject to planning approval and confirmation of Homes England funding, be approved in principle.

(ii)

That a further report be submitted to Cabinet in November 2020 on the final business case and associated recommendations on the purchase the properties, including funding.

The above recommendations 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 secure a minimum level of Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes programme  funding, of the amount set out in the report from Homes England, to support the scheme.

(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.

(E)

To deliver the objectives of the Housing Strategy 2019-30, including to improve the quality, condition and management of housing so that all residents benefit from safe, healthy, energy efficient and well-managed homes and neighbourhoods, to meet identified housing need and supported housing requirements in Gateshead.