Decision details

The Head of Regeneration and Housing submitted an exempt report to seek Members’ approval to the necessary funding to allow essential pre-development activities on the sites identified within the report including the appointment of appropriate architectural design advice and the achieving of planning consents. 

Resolved

(1)          That the essential pre-development funding associated with the identified sites contained within the exempt report (exempt annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) totalling the sum of £200,000 be endorsed and Full Council be recommended to approved the necessary amendment to the approved Capital Programme.

(2)          That officers be requested to submit a further detailed report once fully costed proposals for the sites identified have been completed to determine whether these are funded and developed either by Cherwell District Council (Build!) or Cherwell Community Build.

(3)          That it be noted that Officers will ensure full engagement with the Cherwell Community Build Board around the pre-development work on the sites identified to assist the Board in determining later this year whether they wish to complete the development process on each site.

Reasons

Members have been presented an opportunity to make further progress in respect of sites that CDC currently own. The next stage of allowing progress towards development recognises that actual delivery may in fact come from Cherwell Community Build initiative and not directly from CDC. Accordingly, recognising this staged approach I am only seeking financial authority to proceed with the necessary pre development activities.

The further report later this year will enable a more considered review about developing finance for the delivery of the schemes either directly by CDC or more likely through the Cherwell Community Build activities. By providing consultation and input into design and pre-development work with Cherwell Community Build input there will be ample opportunity for those board members to influence the final scheme outputs. The purpose of providing indicative development costs at this stage is to indicate the overall likely level of investment required to deliver the homes on the sites required.

Alternative options

Consideration has been given to seek approval for the full development costs associated with the sites identified. This has been rejected at this stage given that a full cost appraisal based on a final design and planning submission is to be undertaken. Further, it is recognised that the development of the Cherwell Community Build initiative is now significantly underway and that Board should have input into the pre development and design options for these sites. Final costing’s and a decision about funding arrangements and development delivery will be put before members and the Cherwell Community Build board later this year.