Agenda item

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

Acquisition of 8 residential affordable homes former Hornsey Police Station site. This is a new private development and under the section 106 which the Council are buying the affordable homes from the developer to repurpose as council homes for residents.

The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing & Planning (Deputy Leader) which sought approval for acquiring 8 new Council homes as part of the redevelopment of the former Hornsey Police Station. The development was well-designed, preserving the original character of the building. These homes would provide much-needed, high-quality affordable housing in a part of the borough with a significant shortage of Council accommodation.

In response to Cllr Carlin’s query on the Neighbourhood Moves policy being applicable to this scheme, it was confirmed that it was.

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

-       Regarding including solar panel installation as a condition in the planning agreement, this site was originally not intended to be used for social housing, so the relevant team was not involved in the planning process, and this was not a condition at that stage. Subsequently circumstances had changed in a positive way for the Council being able to access the homes. However, the carbon performance of the development achieved an 80% reduction in carbon emissions compared to building regulations, which was significantly higher than the required standard, though not as high as the Council's typical average. Despite the absence of solar panels, the performance was still considered strong.

-       The delay in the completion of the Hornsey Town Hall affordable homes was due to technical and legal issues, not related to voids or contract work.

Further to considering the exempt information and exempt recommendations at agenda item 23,

RESOLVED

1. To approve the acquisition of 8 Council homes for housing purposes at the former Hornsey Police Station site, Tottenham Lane, Hornsey for the payment as set out in the Exempt Part B report and based on the draft Heads of Terms 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 for the 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.

Reasons for decision

The acquisition of these properties will result in 8 additional new Council homes helping the Council make good on its pledge to build 3,000 Council homes by 2031.

The proposed Council homes are well located to enjoy the amenities of Tottenham Lane and Crouch End.

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 8 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.