Issue - meetings

Report DRR19/036

Members considered a report which summarised the aims and objectives of the Renewal, Recreation and Housing Portfolio for 2018/19.  The report was accompanied by an update for Quarter 4 of 2019.

The Chairman informed Members that the newly designed new year Portfolio Plan would be submitted to the scheduled PDS meeting in September 2019.

Councillor Michael enquired about the present position regarding the planning application by Countryside for Phase 1 of Opportunity Site G.  It was reported that the application was currently progressing through the planning process but should there be a need for drastic changes to be made, then once again, the revised proposals would need to be submitted for scrutiny by the Committee.

It was confirmed that the Measure of Success percentage rates of 60% and 70% of major and minor applications determined (Priority 2, item 4, page 85 of the agenda), related to national targets.

In regard to the Chislehurst Library site (Priority 3, page 89 of the agenda), Members were advised that the Milngate developer agreement was still being prepared for signature by the legal team and a long-standing issue was now close to being resolved.

Officers were currently exploring opportunities with the developer of the Chipperfield Road site to progress work to create a community hub, housing (of up to 200 units), public realm work and a new gymnastics centre together with a purpose built library.  If successful, a detailed report will be submitted to the next meeting of the PDS Committee.

It was reported that the total number of housing units to be provided at York Rise, Anerley Town Hall, Bushell Way, Burnt Ash car park was approximately 125-130 units.

Officers agreed that updates on the 1000 properties situated on Council-owned land together with the insertion of success measures on homelessness prevention would be included in future reports.

Councillor Botting asked if any consideration had been given in the Key Strategy Plans for affordable accommodation for key workers.  Members were advised that talks around the provision of shared ownership for people on low incomes were taking place.

Members then discussed the lack of funding for keyworkers and the fact that most affordable housing was not actually affordable.  It was reported that Section 106 funding had brought rents down to an affordable level. 

Members were informed that the AAP Review had ceased at the present time due to a current judicial review; it was anticipated that the review would resume in the summer.

RESOLVED that the report be noted and Members’ comments be provided to the Portfolio Holder.