To seek approval to re-allocate council owned land, at Waterworks Lane, Leominster to Stonewater Housing Association in order to deliver self-build affordable housing for veterans.

That:

the land at Waterworks Lane, identified in Appendix 1, be transferred at no cost to Stonewater Housing Association on condition that the land is used to provide an affordable self-build housing scheme for veterans delivering a minimum of 10 units.

1.         Sell the land on the open market.  This would provide the council with a one off capital receipt, but it would not advance the council’s strategic aims.  In addition, there could be no guarantee that any subsequent development of the land would provide affordable housing or enable skills development for veterans.

2.         Retain the land in the council’s ownership.  The land identified could continue to be utilised by the council for alternative uses where appropriate.

3.         Retain the land for potential development through the council’s Development Partnership.  This option was considered and discussed but was deemed not viable due to the size of the site.