Decision details

Allocation of S106 Commuted Sum Monies (Bay House and Barn Close)

Decision Maker: Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To approve the spend of secured Section 106 affordable housing commuted funds to support the redevelopment of two Silva Homes sites to create 51 additional social rented homes for applicants on the Council’s housing register.

Decision:

1          That spend of up to £500,000 to Silva Homes from the Section 106 affordable housing commuted fund be approved, to support the development of 51 additional social rented homes for households on the Council’s housing register; and,

 

2          That payment YN654 (TRL) of £478,511.73 and part of payment YN717 (Christine Ingram Gardens) of £50,501 be approved to fund the proposed spend.

Reasons for the decision:

There is a shortfall in all types of affordable homes for rent to meet the needs of households on the housing register.  This proposal by Silva Homes will provide an additional 51 one- and two-bedroom social rented homes.  The Council’s contribution will help meet a shortfall in funding for the proposal and, more importantly, unlock a much larger sum of grant funding provisionally agreed by Homes England.

 

The Council holds over £3,845,921.96 of uncommitted Section 106 affordable housing contributions.  £529,012.73 of this amount is restricted to funding Registered Provider affordable housing (i.e. it cannot be used to fund Council-led development or acquisitions).

 

Without the financial support of the Council and Homes England, it would not be possible for Silva Homes to proceed with the proposed development.  Social rents are significantly lower than affordable rents at 80% of the local market rent and much higher levels of grant/subsidy are needed to make them viable.  Without the Council’s funding, the scheme would incur financial losses and Silva Homes would need to pursue alternative options involving a reduction in social rented homes and a switch towards more shared ownership homes.

Alternative options considered:

The Section 106 funding proposed for this development can only be used for Registered Provider development.  There are currently no alternative options for the use of this ‘restricted’ funding.

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None.

Reason Key: Expenditure > £400,000;

Wards Affected: Bullbrook;

Financial Impact: The proposed spend will be entirely funded from commuted funds held within relevant S106 pots

Declarations: None.

Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No.

Making Representations: In writing to the Executive Director: People

Other reasons / organisations consulted

None

Consultees

None

Contact: Mark Barratt, Interim Assistant Director: Early Help and Communities Email: mark.barratt@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Tel: 01344 351447, Grainne Siggins, Executive Director People Email: grainne.siggins@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

Report author: Mark Barratt

Publication date: 29/09/2022

Date of decision: 29/09/2022

Decided at meeting: 29/09/2022 - Executive

Effective from: 07/10/2022

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    Contact Information

    Democratic services

    Email: committee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk