Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.      Note the Council's Bid submitted in Appendix 3 and the subsequent outcome of it following discussions with the Greater London Authority;

2.      Agree to progress with and establish a Housing Zone for the Hayes areas as initially set out in Appendix 3 and;

3.      Delegate full authority to the Leader of the Council (and Cabinet Members for Finance, Property and Business Services and Community, Commerce and Regeneration as the Leader deems appropriate), in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Residents Services, to:

a)      Agree any revisions to the Housing Zone schemes as the project develops;

b)     Make all necessary decisions in relation to implementing the Housing Zone project, including entering into any agreements on behalf of the Council and all related policy, project, property, procurement and financial decisions where constitutional democratic authority is required from the Project Board.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet noted the outcome of a bid submitted to the Greater London Authority, which would enable the progression of a Housing Zone in the Hayes area. Cabinet welcomed the opportunity this would provide to attract grant funding and co-ordinate a comprehensive development strategy delivering housing, infrastructure and place making benefits to the local community.

Cabinet made the necessary decisions to kick-start the project on the Council's part, including streamlined decision-making to complement the pace of project delivery expected. It was noted that the project would unlock potential housing sites and significantly increase the element of affordable homes in the Borough.

Cabinet noted the information in the confidential appendices associated with the Housing Zone submission.

Alternative options considered and rejected.

Cabinet could have chosen not to enter into an agreement, but considered that the opportunity to bring forward new homes and essential infrastructure was one that the Council could not ignore.

Officer to action:

Chris Mansfield

Classification: Public / Private

The majority of the report and any background papers relating to this decision by the Cabinet are available to view on the Council's website or by visiting the Civic Centre, Uxbridge. Some of the appendices to the report considered by Cabinet were done so in the private part of the meeting and contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended.