Plans for council to provide new homes

Development company proposal

PLANS are being drawn up by Charnwood Borough Council to develop its own Housing Development Company.

And if the proposal goes through the housing development company would provide an additional way for the council to deliver new homes in the borough.

A council spokesperson said: “This could be through either building new properties for sale or rent, purchasing properties to add to the council’s housing stock or through regeneration projects.

A report has been put to a meeting of the council’s Cabinet by the strategic director of housing, planning and regeneration, and regulatory services to consider setting up a council-owned Housing Development Company to deliver new homes and regeneration projects in the borough.

The report stated: “A key objective of the council’s Corporate Plan 2016–2020 is: ‘Creating a strong and lasting economy’. This includes a commitment to deliver growth: new homes, new businesses and improved infrastructure. Creating a Housing Development Company will directly support the delivery of these objectives.”

Councillors resolved that, having considered the outline business case, Charnwood would not participate in a wider Leicestershire development company proposal.

They agreed that delegated authority be given to the strategic director for housing, planning and regeneration, and regulatory services, in consultation with the Cabinet lead member for planning, inward investment and tourism strategy, to investigate the establishment of a Charnwood Housing Development Company.

This will involve developing a business case for a Charnwood Housing Development Company to be considered at a future meeting of Cabinet.

A budget of up to £20,000 will be set aside from the authority’s Reinvestment Reserve to fund professional advice and associated legal and administrative costs in developing the business case for the establishment of a Charnwood Housing Development Company.

A Charnwood Borough Council spokesperson added: “Members have agreed for a business case to be put together for a housing development company. The business case will be considered at a future cabinet meeting.”