Issue - meetings

This report

·      provides members with an overview of the delivery of homes at Laurel Close, Ockford Ridge, Godalming and details of three homes which are in a position to be sold as affordable shared ownership.

·      Seeks Executive approval to the recommendation to sell the affordable shared ownership homes delivered to support meeting the need for affordable housing for those of all income levels.

Recommendation

It is recommended that

·      Executive consider this report and information provided in Exempt Annexe 1 and approve the sale of the three shared ownership homes at Laurel Close, Ockford Ridge, Godalming, giving the Executive Head of Legal & Democratic Services authority to approve the final form of the agreements.

·      Executive approve delegated authority for Head of Housing Services in consultation with Portfolio Holders for Housing (Delivery and Operations) to approve the future sale of percentages shares.

The Executive RESOLVED to:

1.    approve the sale of the three shared ownership homes at Laurel Close, Ockford Ridge, Godalming and give the Executive Head of Legal and Democratic Services authority to approve the final form of the agreements; and

2.    delegate authority to the Executive Head of Housing Services in consultation with the Co-Portfolio Holders for Housing Delivery and Operations to approve the future sale of percentage shares.

Reason: the delivery and sale of the shared ownership homes at Laurel Close meets the corporate priority to provide good quality housing for all income levels, and the commitment within the Affordable Homes Delivery Strategy 2022-2025, to build homes to buy or rent for households from all income levels.

[Resources O&S Committee]

Cllr Palmer reported that Laurel Close, Ockford Ridge comprised Site B of the Council’s masterplan for the redevelopment of Ockford Ridge. Two sites had already been delivered, and Laurel Close was the latest phase of homes to be completed. The new development delivered 17 new affordable homes, comprising 14 for rent and three for shared ownership. Purchasers had been identified for all three shared ownership following marketing to those on the Council’s Shared Ownership register. Solicitors have been appointed to act on behalf of the Council to prepare the sale and lease documents and were in a position to progress subject to approval.

Cllr Hyman had registered to speak on this matter, and queried why this decision had been brought to the Executive. The Leader advised that there was no delegation to officers in place to permit the sales to proceed, therefore an Executive decision was needed.

The Executive RESOLVED to:

1.    approve the sale of the three shared ownership homes at Laurel Close, Ockford Ridge, Godalming and give the Executive Head of Legal and Democratic Services authority to approve the final form of the agreements; and

2.    delegate authority to the Executive Head of Housing Services in consultation with the Co-Portfolio Holders for Housing Delivery and Operations to approve the future sale of percentage shares.

Reason: the delivery and sale of the shared ownership homes at Laurel Close meets the corporate priority to provide good quality housing for all income levels, and the commitment within the Affordable Homes Delivery Strategy 2022-2025, to build homes to buy or rent for households from all income levels.