Decision details

i.      the Executive Director is authorised to conditionally accept the offer of

Homes England (HE) which is subject to the feasibility and the

procurement of a development partner.

ii.     the Executive Director of Delivery investigates the feasibility of delivering

a scheme which complies with the terms of the grant offer from Homes

England and reports back to the Executive in time to procure a development

partner to meet the offer of Homes England.

iii.    the Borough Solicitor is authorised to agree a new collaboration

agreement with the Berkshire authorities to enable this project.

1.    Homes England have made a conditional funding towards the

remediation of the site to bring it to a level suitable to accommodate housing. The offer from Homes England is firstly conditional on a resolution of members supporting the investigation into the viability and feasibility to deliver the houses on this site. Accordingly, a member’s resolution supporting the conditional offer is required before any feasibility should be investigated.

2.    The conditional offer from Homes England needs to be fully investigated and

reported back to members before any final commitment to progress can be made.

3.    The council has a duty and responsibility to all the Berkshire authorities to address the enduring issues of this site.

4.    The1998 pan Berkshire agreement that covers this site only envisages a sale and so a new updated agreement is needed with all authorities to address alternative forms of disposal to deal with the site.

Alternative options are set out within the report.

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