Decisions

To seek in principle support on the proposed approach to allocating affordable housing that is to be developed on identified sites within Cherwell district in order to meet an apportionment of Oxford’s unmet housing need.

The countywide Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2014 (SHMA) identified the housing needs across Oxfordshire up to 2031. Further research and evidence have established that Oxford City will be unable to accommodate sufficient numbers of homes within that period to meet its identified housing needs.

Through the Growth Board, Oxfordshire local authorities are working together to provide the investment in infrastructure, housing and the economy that Oxfordshire needs now and in the future. The Growth Board has agreed an assumption that, in addition to the homes that are to be developed within the city, a further 15,000 homes are required to meet Oxford’s unmet housing need to 2031. Under the statutory ‘Duty to Cooperate’, Districts have agreed to assist by providing an apportionment of the 15,000 homes. The number to be provided within Cherwell district is 4,400.

Resolved

(1)            That the following approach on the methodology for allocating the rented affordable homes to be provided on allocated sites in Cherwell District Council’s Local Plan Partial Review in order to meet Oxford’s unmet housing need be agreed:

“Oxford City Council processes all housing applications from eligible households who have a local connection to Oxford through residence, employment or family. When a property becomes available on an identified site to meet Oxford’s need within Cherwell district, the City Council will then work with the registered provider to administer the letting of the property and will nominate eligible households directly from the Oxford housing register. Should the City Council be unable to make a nomination or allocate the property to someone with an Oxford local connection, then they would offer the opportunity to Cherwell District Council to nominate a housing applicant from its housing register.”

To consider opportunities presented by an Innovate UK funded project around electric vehicle charging points in council owned car parks.

On 22 July 2019 this Council passed a climate emergency motion with the aim for facilitating the district to be net zero by 2030. Transport emissions account for 44% of the total carbon footprint of the district and is a key sector that needs to be addressed.

The Car Parking Strategy 2019 – 2023 contains several key strategic principles and supports the council’s business plan which contains the objective PCG3: to play our part in responding to the increasing demand for electric charging points. Public consultation of the Car Parking Strategy 2019-2023 overwhelmingly supported the need for electric vehicle chargers, with 96% in support of electric charge points within our car park.

Resolved

(1)            That the funding agreement with Oxfordshire County Council (appendix 1 to the report attached to this decision) be approved.

(2)            That the draft heads of terms be approved (exempt appendix 2 to the report attached to this decision) and approval given to engage with the commercial partners.