Decision Maker: Cabinet
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: Yes
The Housing Services Manager – Business Planning and Strategy submitted a report seeking approval for Housing Services to purchase the property at 34 Carsington Close, Holme Hall, Chesterfield under the Right-to-Buy buy-back legislation.
The Housing Act 2004 introduced the Right of First Refusal (RFR) that gave Local Authorities the first opportunity to ‘buy-back’ properties being sold by former tenants who had acquired their properties under the Right-To-Buy scheme.
The Carsington Close property was originally purchased through the Right-to-Buy scheme in 2008. In June 2014 the Council were advised of the proposed sale of 34 Carsington Close by solicitors working for the current owners. The Council had 8 weeks to decide whether to purchase the property at current market value, and a further 12 weeks after such notice was given, to enter into a binding contract.
This was the first property that was proposed to be bought back under these regulations as it was determined to be more cost effective to buy this existing property than to build a new property.
It was also proposed that a policy be prepared for both Right-to-Buy re-purchases and Strategic Acquisitionsas a more cost effective way of providing new affordable housing than new build
*RESOLVED
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(1) |
That the purchase of 34 Carsington Close, Holme Hall, Chesterfield be approved and that the costs be met from the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme.
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(2) |
That any costs associated with the purchase of the property and any associated repairs to bring it up to a lettable standard be met from the Housing Revenue Account.
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(3) |
That a further report is brought to Cabinet setting out policies for the purchase of former Right-to-Buy properties and wider strategic acquisitions such as former Housing Association Properties, section 106 agreements and opportunities to purchase land adjacent to Council owned assets.
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REASONS FOR DECISIONS
To help meet the demand for affordable two bedroom homes.
To consider alternative ways in which to increase the Council’s supply of affordable housing and ensure a sustainable Housing Revenue Account Business Plan for the future.
Other reasons / organisations consulted
Meeting.
Consultees
Assistant Executive Member for Housing
Contact: Alison Craig, Assistant Director - Housing Manager Email: alison.craig@chesterfield.gov.uk Tel: 01246 345156.
Publication date: 29/07/2014
Date of decision: 29/07/2014
Decided at meeting: 29/07/2014 - Cabinet
Effective from: 04/08/2014
Accompanying Documents: