Agenda item

Report of the Head of Housing

The Strategic Director of Housing and Customer Services presented the report to Members.

In response to a query in relation to how the information was gathered to understand the future needs for housing, the Strategic Director explained that data was constantly changing so a snapshot of time was taken for each update to make sure it was as accurate as possible.  It was confirmed that the Census was used along with the HEDNA, both of which would be updated soon.

A concern was raised that private renting seemed more affordable than buying a low-cost home and it was highlighted that the most affordable way to get on the housing ladder was through renting from the Council and then to purchase through the Right to Buy Scheme.  It was asked that reference to this be included within the strategy.

A request was made that going forward, any questionnaires used as part of a consultation be included within reports to allow for a further understanding into the matter.  It was agreed for the two questionnaires referred to in the report to be forwarded to Members outside of the meeting for further information.

In relation to the improved housing standards in the private sector, a Member requested further information on how this was achieved and what the improvements were.  The Strategic Director agreed to provide this information outside of the meeting.

A Member disagreed with the point made within the report in relation to private renting being a short-term solution to those saving up for a deposit.  Comments were made that private rents were very high which would make it difficult for savings to be made, therefore residents were often trapped into renting permanently.

A comment was made on the recognition within the strategy that there was an oversupply of large property sizes and an undersupply of smaller property sizes.  It was felt that this was an important statement as there was a desperate need for smaller affordable homes within the district.  It was questioned what could be done to resolve the problem.  The discussion then moved on to creating clear planning policies for minimum room sizes and increasing the number of bungalows within developments; and also the never-ending cycle of justifying the need for development in areas where there is business growth even though the properties were not fit for purpose due to the large property sizes and lower-income jobs.  The Committee was advised that the discussion was more suited to the Local Plan Committee and that all concerns made would be passed on to the relevant officers for consideration.  In response to a question, the Strategic Director confirmed that the Planning Cross Party Working Group could possibly look at some of these concerns in more detail.

A discussion was had on the reference in the strategy to the district having good transport links.  Several Members disagreed with this comment as they felt that although there was a link to the two motorways, the infrastructure in between was very poor and not fit for purpose.  Reference was also made to the lack of a rail link in the district and calls were made to put more pressure on the Government to deliver on the reopening of the Ivanhoe line.  

A Member asked for evidence that officers were working on the reopening of the Ivanhoe line as it seemed that little had been done on the matter for some time.  With the Chairman’s permission, Councillor C Benfield, in his capacity of Deputy Chairman of the ‘Campaign to reopen the Ivanhoe Line Group’, reported that officers were being very supportive and the current pause in the campaign was due to a pending response from the Transport Authority.

It was moved by Councillor J Geary, seconded by Councillor R Morris and

RESOLVED THAT:

Comments made by the Committee be presented to Cabinet when it considers the Draft Housing Strategy.