To be moved by Councillor Roca and seconded by Councillor Williams.
Tackling the Housing Shortage
“With the continuing demand for housing for low to middle income families the Council believes that current models of delivering homes fail to build sufficient housing for this need.
Although this is not a problem unique to Westminster it is clear that other local authorities are looking at different housing models that will deliver housing for local residents. The most common model is that where the local authority sets up a partnership body (to include RSL's and developers) to oversee the development of housing for social and intermediate rent. The borrowing power of such a partnership enables it to be ambitious in its objectives and creates confidence in a programme that delivers on its promises.
The Council is therefore urged to set aside the failed proposals for Phase 2 of the Church Street Masterplan and proposals for the regeneration of Ebury Bridge Estate. A new Council run partnership development team can then look afresh at the housing needs in those areas and in other areas of Westminster."
Minutes:
The Minority Party had selected for debate the Notice of Motion as set out on the agenda. The Notice of Motion was moved by Councillor Tim Roca and seconded by Councillor Jason Williams.
Councillor Rachael Robathan moved and it was seconded by Councillor Susie Burbridge that the Notice of Motion be amended, as follows:
First paragraph remains, then delete subsequent paragraphs then add:
“The Council commends the bold new vision for housing in Westminster as outlined by the Leader and Cabinet Members for Housing and Planning and Public Realm.
The Council’s new City Plan will set out a refreshed and rigorous approach to our planning policies. There will be a focus on aiming for 35% new affordable homes on all new developments, with 60% of these being intermediate units for people and families on middle incomes. The Council will work with developers on a new approach to viability with an emphasis on new affordable homes being delivered on-site or close by.
The Council notes renewed efforts to utilise innovative models to accelerate housing delivery in Westminster. Like other local authorities, the Council is looking to create a wholly owned company, bringing more flexibility and freedom to delivering new homes. This model will allow the Council to pursue new avenues of borrowing, deliver different tenure types and explore working more commercially to fund our core services. This model allows us to maintain our freehold interest whereas other partnership models do not.
The Council recognises the commitment given by the Leader and the Cabinet Member for Housing to spend over £285m over the next five years, repairing and improving council homes. This includes the Church Street Masterplan and a viable scheme for the regeneration of the Ebury Bridge Estate. All options are still under consideration and residents will be at the heart of these plans. Proposals will be launched in the autumn to ensure residents have the maximum opportunity to shape plans”.
Following debate, to which Councillor Tim Roca replied, the Lord Mayor put the amendment moved by Councillor Robathan and seconded by Councillor Burbridge to the vote and on a show of hands declared the amendment CARRIED.
The Lord Mayor then put the substantive motion to the vote and on a show of hands declared the substantive motion CARRIED.
RESOLVED:
“With the continuing demand for housing for low to middle income families the Council believes that current models of delivering homes fail to build sufficient housing for this need.
“The Council commends the bold new vision for housing in Westminster as outlined by the Leader and Cabinet Members for Housing and Planning and Public Realm.
The Council’s new City Plan will set out a refreshed and rigorous approach to our planning policies. There will be a focus on aiming for 35% new affordable homes on all new developments, with 60% of these being intermediate units for people and families on middle incomes. The Council will work with developers on a new approach to viability with an emphasis on new affordable homes being delivered on-site or close by.
The Council notes renewed efforts to utilise innovative models to accelerate housing delivery in Westminster. Like other local authorities, the Council is looking to create a wholly owned company, bringing more flexibility and freedom to delivering new homes. This model will allow the Council to pursue new avenues of borrowing, deliver different tenure types and explore working more commercially to fund our core services. This model allows us to maintain our freehold interest whereas other partnership models do not.
The Council recognises the commitment given by the Leader and the Cabinet Member for Housing to spend over £285m over the next five years, repairing and improving council homes. This includes the Church Street Masterplan and a viable scheme for the regeneration of the Ebury Bridge Estate. All options are still under consideration and residents will be at the heart of these plans. Proposals will be launched in the autumn to ensure residents have the maximum opportunity to shape plans”.