Agenda item

The Council is recommended to make the resolutions set out in the report at agenda item 13. 

68.1        The Leader introduced the recommendation, Councillor Palmer seconded and presented detailed proposals. Councillor Palmer highlighted item 13, addressing Elstead and Ockford Ridge additions, resulting in a net gain of 24 homes. The designs prioritise genuinely affordable housing, aligning with previous council-approved proposals. Councillor Palmer expressed hope for broad council support in addressing challenges related to providing affordable housing.

68.2        Councillor Kiehl expressed enthusiasm for the commitment to genuinely affordable homes and social housing. She appreciated the outlined climate change and sustainability measures on page 281, aligning with the target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

68.3        Councillor Atkins raised significant concerns about the methods used by Waverley's housing department for capital approval. She highlighted issues with the methodology for evaluating the valuation of housing property, specifically those to be let or sold as shared ownership property at a discount. Councillor Atkins emphasised that this methodology is not in line with recommendations from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. She also expressed concerns about the existing value of sites to be demolished not being considered in Waverley housing assessments.

68.4        Councillor Atkins mentioned ongoing meetings with officers to substantiate her claims and confirmed that the findings would be presented to the ONS committee in the future. She disclosed her professional background as the managing director of a property company involved in homes on the open market and a managing director of a for-profit registered provider delivering affordable housing. Councillor Atkins noted that Councillor Austin, who also supports her viewpoint, has direct professional knowledge as a lapsed member of the RCS. Councillor Atkins abstained from all recommendations on Capital for housing, emphasising her cross-political motivation to achieve the best value for residents.

68.5        Councillor Merryweather emphasised that the council operates within a different framework compared to private sector companies. He noted the obligation to adhere to a regulatory framework that considers social value, corporate priorities, and non-monetary measures. Councillor Merryweather explained that the council's role is to deliver social value for residents, and the evaluation criteria might differ from the private sector.

68.6        Councillor Hyman agreed that there was a failure to evaluate the current value of land and surrounding buildings, emphasising the significant value involved, amounting to millions of pounds. He raised concerns about flooding in Springfield and stressed the importance of evaluating finances and consulting residents before proceeding. Councillor Hyman referred to page 292, pointing out that no value was given for the properties as they are. He also mentioned the gross development value being based on open market valuations, suggesting the council should cover various aspects.

68.7        Susan Sale, through The Mayor, clarified the status of page 292, mentioning it was on pink paper and suggested that if councillors wanted to discuss it, a motion would be required to go into an exempt session. Councillor Hyman clarified that he was not going into that point, and he continued to highlight issues of winter flooding, indicating that the council would undergo public consultation.

68.8        The Mayor alerted Councillor Hyman to exceeding the allocated time for speaking. Councillor Hyman pointed out an issue with the timer and expressed a desire to propose an additional amendment.

68.9        The Mayor deferred Councillor Hyman's amendment, indicating other speakers would be considered first. Councillor Austin noted they had not received a briefing on the matter, endorsed Councillor Atkins' concerns, and advocated for a standard methodology in assessing viability, aligned with RICS principles. Councillor Austin highlighted how Elmbridge Borough Council considered existing land value and applied a discount for social housing, which was not done in Waverley.

68.10     Councillor Hyman suggested residents might not be aware that social housing was being replaced by flats. The Mayor reminded Hyman of the allotted time for his amendment. Councillor Hyman proposed a public consultation before submitting any planning application and sought a seconder.

68.11     After a recorded vote, Councillor Hyman's amendment was rejected. Councillor Follows and Councillor Long argued against the necessity of the amendment, stating that consultations had taken place, and any further delays could distress residents.

68.12     Councillor Hyman argued for a consultation, stating it aligned with the information on page 291. The Mayor emphasised maintaining high standards of conduct and ethics. Councillor Hyman requested a recorded vote for the original proposal. The recorded vote resulted in the rejection of Councillor Hyman's amendment, reverting to the original proposals. Councillor Reed inquired about the expectation of a public consultation, and discussions clarified the consultation process. Councillor Follows believed the current process would fulfil the objectives.

68.13     Councillor Martin supported the proposals and acknowledged contributions from other councillors. The Mayor invited Councillor Follows to sum up, and he expressed full support for the recommendations, hoping for progress with the Elstead development.

The Mayor moved to a vote and it was RESOLVED:

To approve a Springfield Elsted project budget allocation of £10,074,928m, with the delegation to the Executive to approve the final budget once tender returns for the construction contract had been received. 

To approve a Ockford Ridge Site F project budget allocation of £7,270,379m, with delegation to the Executive to approve the final budget once tender returns for the construction contract had been received; and approve of an additional and specific budget of £150k to facilitate the design of Site E Ockford Ridge by the appointed contractor for Site F.