Agenda item

Report of the Director of Placemaking and Housing. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing & Planning (Deputy Leader).

The paper will seek approval for the acquisition of 78 Council homes to be built as parting of the redevelopment plans for the Mecca Bingo site. Acquisition of 78 residential Council homes (at pre-construction stage) forming part of the redevelopment of the Mecca Bingo site. This is a new private development and under the section 106 the Council are buying the  homes from the developer to repurpose as council homes for our residents.

The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing & Planning (Deputy Leader) and sought approval of the acquisition of 78 new Council homes in the heart of Wood Green, which addressed the significant need for affordable housing in Haringey, especially for families. The development included 10 three-bedroom homes and seven five-bedroom homes, the first of their kind in the Council's housing delivery program. These homes would provide much-needed accommodation for those on the housing register, including vulnerable children.

Located across three buildings on the current Mecca Bingo site, the development was a key part of the broader regeneration of Wood Green town centre. In addition to the housing, the redevelopment would include a park, private outdoor spaces for residents (balconies or gardens), shared gardens and play areas for the community.

The project also aligned with the borough’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, which accounted for half of Haringey's total emissions. The new homes would be highly energy-efficient, which featured solar panels and air source heat pumps to reduce energy bills and emissions. They would also be future-proofed, ready to connect to a decentralised energy network.

In response to Councillor Connor’s questions, the following information was noted:

-           The Council had legal recourse regarding service charges, including the option to go to a tribunal if necessary. However, the service charges would only apply to the public areas around the building, not the entire structure, as the Council owns and manages the interior of the blocks. While specific details for the private units were commercially confidential, the service charge for this development was considered competitive and provided good value for both the Council and tenants.

-           There would be no impact on the Council’s Revenue budget from the capital spend as this acquisition was connected to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA)

Further to considering exempt recommendations and exempt information at agenda item 21,

RESOLVED:

1.         To approve the acquisition of 78 Council homes for housing purposes at the Mecca Bingo site, Lordship Lane, Wood Green for the payment as set out in the Exempt Part B report and based on the draft Heads of Terms as contained in the Exempt Part B report.

2.         To approve the total scheme cost for the acquisition as contained in the Exempt Part B report.

3.         To approve the use of Right to Buy (RtB) receipts to subsidise this acquisition. The total amount of RtB receipts is contained in the Exempt Part B report.

4.         To grant delegated authority to the Director of Placemaking and Housing

following consultation with the Assistant Director of Legal and Governance(Monitoring Officer) and Lead Member for Housing and Planning to finalise the Heads of Terms, agree the final legal documentation and complete the transaction.

5.         To note these homes will be let at London Affordable Rents (LAR).

Reasons for decision

The acquisition of these properties will result in 78 additional new Council homes helping the Council make good on its pledge to build 3,000 Council homes by 2031.

There is an acute need for affordable homes in Haringey, particularly affordable family homes, and this acquisition will include 10 three-bedroom and 7 five bedroom homes.

The proposed affordable homes are well located to enjoy the amenities of the High Street in Wood Green and the nearby transport links.

The homes are expected to be of high quality, meeting the Mayor’s housing

design standards.

Alternative options considered.

Not to acquire the homes. This option was rejected because it would be a

missed opportunity for the Council to:

Secure 78 new homes to let at Council rents (LAR).

Assist in maintaining momentum and progress in the overall aspiration to

provide Council housing in the Borough.