Apologies were received from Councillors Tony Parsons and Heather Kidd.  Councillor Roger Evans attended as substitute for Councillor Kidd.

Members are reminded that they must not participate in the discussion or voting on any matter in which they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and should leave the room prior to the commencement of the debate.

There were no declarations of pecuniary interest.

To confirm the minutes of the Housing Supervisory Board held on 5^th September 2019.

The minutes of the meeting held on 5^th September 2019 were agreed as correct record.

To receive any public questions or petitions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.  The deadline for this meeting is 2pm on Tuesday 29^th October 2019.

There were no public questions.

To receive any questions of which Members of the Council have given notice.  Deadline for notification for this meeting is 2.00pm on Monday 28^th October 2019.

There were no questions from Members.

To consider the Cornovii Developments Ltd, Sites Update Report.    [Report to follow]

Contact:  Mark Barrow     Tel 01743 258671

The Director of Place introduced the Cornovii Developments Ltd, Sites Update report which outlined the progress of the two development sites at Overton Road, Ifton Heath and Frith Close, Shrewsbury. 

Members noted that a series of design workshops with interested parties had been held and all aspects of design had been considered including environmental impact, creative problem solving and innovative design features.  The Interim Head of Housing Development commented that the design team were aiming to capture as many aspirations in the housing design as would be practical in the commercial environment.  The Director of Place added that this was an opportunity to set a new housing standard in the County above that required by housing regulations.  

The Director of Place confirmed that the housing design would incorporate whole life costs as part of the cost model for developments. He agreed with a Members suggestion that there was a challenge to achieve high specification housing at an affordable cost and it was important not to build houses that were too expensive for the target client group.  He explained that the first developments would be a testing ground to identify what was achievable for the finance available.  With reference to green technology he observed that initially the Housing Company would be looking to incorporate proven green technology and utilise existing delivery models for green energy, as the financial risk of using unproven cutting-edge technology was too great for a new company

In response to a Members question regarding profit margins, the Director of Place responded that it was important that with limited resources the Company generated a surplus to enable the funding of future projects.  Other aspects of added value, such as improved social care would also be taken into account in the costing equation.

Members requested further information on how housing provision in areas of the County where the Council did not have substantial land holdings suitable for development would be served.  The Interim Head of Housing advised that these areas were often ones with poor access and increased labour costs. Where land could be purchased alternative construction methods such as off-site modular construction would be considered.  Work would be undertaken with Town and Parish Councils to identify suitable development sites.

Members received reassurance regarding provision being made for all vulnerable groups in the community including care leavers.  In response to a Member’s question the Director of Place confirmed that the affordable housing would not be subject to the Right to Buy legislation unless it was transferred into the Council’s Housing Revenue Account.

Members noted that a report would be considered at the next meeting of Council in December regarding funding for the next wave of development. 

To note that the next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Thursday 21st November 2019, at 2pm.

Members noted that the next meeting of the Housing Supervisory Board would be held on Thursday 21^st November 2019.

To resolve in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and Paragraph 10.4[3] of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules, the press and public be excluded during consideration of the following item.

RESOLVED:

that in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and Paragraph 10.4[3] of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules, the press and public be excluded during consideration of the following item.

To confirm the exempt Minutes of the Housing Supervisory Board meeting held on 5^th September 2019.

RESOLVED

That the exempt minutes of the meeting of the Housing Supervisory Board held on 5^th September 2019 be agreed as a correct record.