Decision details

Acquisition of a strategic site in Hereford to deliver affordable housing

Decision Maker: Cabinet member commissioning, procurement and assets

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To approve the strategic purchase of land in the Widemarsh ward within a defined budget and to authorise officers, following appropriate consultation and due diligence, to proceed with the acquisition.

 

The proposed purchase will be a strategic acquisition which supports the council’s aspiration to create a pipeline of affordable housing and accords with the council’s County Plan 2020-2024.

 

 

Decision:

That:

a)    The purchase of the freehold of the land set out in appendix 5 is approved subject to completion of all due diligence process and the Chief Finance Officer being satisfied that the purchase provides value for money;

b)    A budget of up to £400k is agreed to complete the purchase and all other associated fees; and

c)    The Chief Finance Officer, following consultation with the Cabinet Member Commissioning, Procurement and Assets, be authorised to take all operational decisions to complete the purchase.

 

Alternative options considered:

1.             Not to proceed with the purchase. This option is not recommended as the land, which is subject to full residential planning permission, has been on the open market for a period of time. If the council does not acquire the land it is highly likely that housing that could be provided on this land will remain undelivered by private developers. 

 

Wards Affected: Whitecross;

Restricted by: Paragraph 3;

Contact: Robert Barton, Interim Director of Development Email: robert.barton@herefordshire.gov.uk.

Publication date: 31/01/2022

Date of decision: 31/01/2022

Effective from: 05/02/2022

Accompanying Documents: