Issue - meetings

It is proposed submit bids to the GLA to establish separate Housing Zones in two of the borough’s identified growth areas, in Alperton and in Wembley.  Housing Zone status for Alperton and Wembley would not only accelerate the delivery of new homes but also increase the number of homes and the yield of affordable housing on development sites in the growth area and support the achievement of the objective in the Housing Strategy to increase housing supply and to maximise the provision of affordable homes.

(i)         that the proposal to submit a bid to the GLA for Alperton to become a Housing Zone be endorsed;

(ii)        that the proposal to submit a separate bid to the GLA for Wembley to become a Housing Zone be endorsed;

(iii)       that authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth to approve the final Housing Zone bids due for submission on 30 September 2014;

(iv)       that, if either or both bids are successful, a further report be brought to Cabinet on the required funding agreements between the Council and the GLA, and any associated matters, requiring approval.

Councillor McLennan (Lead Member for Regeneration and Housing) in introducing the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth advised that London boroughs have been invited by the Greater London Authority (GLA) to bid for a £400 million programme, jointly funded by the Mayor and national government, to create 20 Housing Zones across London, delivering 50,000 new homes and over 100,000 associated jobs over the next ten years. It was proposed submit bids to the GLA to establish separate Housing Zones in two of the borough’s identified growth areas, in Alperton and in Wembley which would unlock and accelerate the delivery of new homes but also increase the number of homes and the yield of affordable housing on development sites in the growth area.

In answer to a question from Councillor Perrin (Lead Member for Environment) Andrew Donald (Strategic Director, Regeneration and Growth) confirmed that the plans could involved the relocation of some businesses and discussions with the GLA were ongoing. He also reminded the Cabinet of the Alperton Master Plan agreed in July 2011 which considered the infrastructure, social and welfare needs of new and existing communities in the Alperton area. The Chair reminded members of the discussion earlier in the afternoon relating to the proposed new High Speed 2 and Crossrail interchange to which Wembley and Alperton would be key. Andrew Donald acknowledged that given the existing transport links in some areas of Alperton, the housing bid would need to include bus diversion and improved provision.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the proposal to submit a bid to the GLA for Alperton to become a Housing Zone be endorsed;

(ii)        that the proposal to submit a separate bid to the GLA for Wembley to become a Housing Zone be endorsed;

(iii)       that authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth to approve the final Housing Zone bids due for submission on 30 September 2014;

(iv)       that, if either or both bids are successful, a further report be brought to Cabinet on the required funding agreements between the Council and the GLA, and any associated matters, requiring approval.