Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on progress made towards delivering against the Council’s housing targets over the five year period (2019 – 2024). The report also provides a summary of the additional developments being assessed and progressed, with an indication of key issues, practical considerations and steps being taken moving forward.

Cabinet RESOLVED to:

(1)    Note, subject to the clarification provided regarding the reference to William Dunbar/William Saville Houses in section 5.6.2 of the report, the contents of the report and progress to date in delivering both the New Council Homes Programme (NCHP) and other programmes and projects in place to deliver a total of 5,000 new affordable homes in the borough by 2024.

 (2)   Note the steps being taken as set out principally in sections 6 and 7 of the report to add value to the programme, specifically in relation to stakeholder engagement and landscaping.

Councillor Eleanor Southwood (Lead Member for Housing and Welfare Reform) introduced the report which provided an update on the progress of the New Council House Programme. A further three sights had been added to the programme, comprising 370 homes; new opportunities to increase the stock were always sought including through Section 106 Orders. Cabinet noted that the figures presented excluded the additional homes on St Raphael’s estate, where residents were due to be balloted on options for approval.

Having received an update on the various stages of approval and construction of the sites, Cabinet were pleased to note that the programme was on track, with an anticipation that the target number of new homes would be exceeded. In giving the programme their full support, Cabinet noted that Brent were leading the way on the delivery of affordable sites in London, as well as recognising the commitment to providing community facilities, which would benefit those most at need.

In considering the report, Cabinet noted the following corrections identified by Councillor Southwood during the meeting:

·                Section 5.6 - South Kilburn Regeneration to add prior to the existing paragraphs “The below points are in relation to the South Kilburn Programme, which is separate to that of the New Council Homes Programme”;

·                Section 5.6.2 to amend the first sentence to read “There are potential opportunities at the following sites that will increase the overall delivery of the South Kilburn programme:”

·                Section 5.6.2 to add after the bullet points – “These adjustments to delivery volumes would not change the inclusion of the sites in the South Kilburn Programme nor the offer to existing South Kilburn tenants

It was RESOLVED that Cabinet:

(1)          Note, subject to the above amendments, the contents of the report and progress to date in delivering both the New Council Homes Programme (NCHP) and other programmes and projects in place to deliver a total of 5,000 new affordable homes in the borough by 2024.

(2)          note the steps being taken as set out principally in Sections 6 and 7 of the report to add value to the programme, specifically in relation to stakeholder engagement and landscaping.