Decision details

To consider the community land trust and development programme and the Affordable Homes programme

The Interim Head of Regeneration and Housing submitted an exempt report which updated Members on community led and self build housing development opportunities following the approach agreed in an exempt report to Executive on 23 May 2011.

Resolved

That recommendation 1 as set out in the exempt minute be agreed and:

(2)               That the progress to date in developing Build! ® as the Council’s ‘invest and develop’ approach to the delivery of self build housing and renovation of empty homes, through the acquisition and development of land and premises be noted. 

(3)               That the establishment by the Council of a District-Wide Community Land Trust in Cherwell be approved.

(4)               That it be agreed to appoint an Elected Member as a nominee to serve as a Custodian Board Member on the Community Land Trust and approve the involvement of Council Officers as required to provide specialist advice and input.

(5)               That officers be requested to submit a progress report on the Community Land Trust to the Executive in six months.

Reasons

At a time of national changes with welfare reform and reduced public spending the proposals in this report aim to ensure that Cherwell is in a strong position to access new forms of funding and provide innovative and entrepreneurial solutions to the delivery of affordable housing. 

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