Issue - items at meetings - Moulsecoomb Neighbourhood Hub & Housing Schemes: Update Report

RESOLVED:

2.1      That the Housing Committee recommends to Policy & Resource Committee that Policy & Resources Committee:

2.1.1   Authorises officers to progress the submission of a planning application for the Moulsecoomb Hub and Housing development.

2.1.2   Agrees the anticipated budget for this stage of £2.1m to be funded by HRA Borrowing and included as part of the 2021/22 HRA Capital Programme.

43.1    The Regeneration Programme Manager (Housing Supply) introduced the report to the committee.

          Answers to Questions from Committee Members

43.2    Councillor Williams raised concerns regarding social housing rents and was informed by Sam Smith that the rents have not yet been decided and this was being currently being looked into.

43.3    Councillor Mears raised concerns regarding accessibility and was informed by Sam Smith that a programme was in place looking at mobility across the city and was looking at this site, which has a challenging topography. The councillor requested that the finances be carefully watched and not allowed to run away.

43.4    Councillor Platts raised concerns regarding carbon neutrality and was informed by Laura Webster that the air and ground heat source pumps were being investigated for the development, along with local materials and an increase in public realm elements of the site. A report on Carbon predictions is currently being awaited. It is noted that zero carbon emissions will not be possible, however all aspects are being looked at for the whole project including concrete mix. The councillor requested that residents be updated and was informed that the local action group were being constantly updated on the development and the communications team would be uploading information to the council website.

          Debate

43.5    Councillor Hills commented that they felt the development was a good use of the site and would be an asset to the wider community. It was considered that a model of the design would be good for public engagement.

43.6    Councillor Gibson stated that they were excited about this big housing regeneration scheme, which was complex. It was noted that the council would need to be mindful of the finances.

          Part Two

43.7    The committee discussed appendix two in the confidential section of the meeting.

          Vote

43.8    A vote was taken, and the committee unanimously agreed the recommendations.

RESOLVED:

2.1      That the Housing Committee recommends to Policy & Resource Committee that Policy & Resources Committee:

2.1.1   Authorises officers to progress the submission of a planning application for the Moulsecoomb Hub and Housing development.

2.1.2   Agrees the anticipated budget for this stage of £2.1m to be funded by HRA Borrowing and included as part of the 2021/22 HRA Capital Programme.