Issue - meetings

The Chairman invited the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Core Strategy, Regulatory Services and Strategic Housing together with the Strategic Housing Manager and Strategic Planning Manager to introduce the report.

The Strategic Housing Manager provided Members with background information on the Statement of Principles which covered such issues as the proportion of affordable housing to be provided, the expected size, type and tenure and the way in which the properties would be allocated under nomination arrangements.  Members discussed the following areas in detail:

• The allocation of properties and the Choice Based Letting Scheme
• The methodology used to calculate the 35% affordable housing target
• The condition of the site and the infrastructure needed to support its development.
• The Area Action Plan and Core Strategy
• The commitment of Birmingham City Council to the Statement of Principles.
• The allocation of the first phase of units which were expected to be delivered shortly.

Whilst Members recognised the need for such a Statement it was concerned that insufficient time and information had been provided to enable the Board to contribute to the decision making process.  After further discussion it was 

RECOMMENDED that Cabinet delay the approval of the Statement of Principles regarding the Provision of Affordable Housing at Longbridge pending a more detailed report being received.

RESOLVED that the Board receive a more detailed report on the Statement of Principles regarding the Provision of Affordable Housing at Longbridge, to enable a detailed pre-scrutiny exercise to be carried out.