Basingstoke & Dean Borough Council
Councillors:
54
Wards:
18
Committees:
23
Meetings (2026):
68
Meetings (2025):
75
Meeting
Cabinet - Basingstoke & Dean
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Tuesday, 8th September 2026
6:30 PM
Tuesday, 8th September 2026
6:30 PM
End:
Tuesday, 8th September 2026
9:30 PM
Tuesday, 8th September 2026
9:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
08 Sep 2026
08 Sep 2026
Location:
Committee Rooms 1 & 2 - Deanes
Committee Rooms 1 & 2 - Deanes
Webcast:
Available
Available
Meeting Attendees
Chair
Leader
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Business Engagement
Committee Member
Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture
Guest
Chair of the South Ham & Buckskin Regeneration Committee
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
Minutes
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Cubitt, G James and McKay.
2
Declarations of interest
Minutes
There were no declarations of interest.
3
Urgent matters
To consider any items of business, other than those shown on this agenda and which, by reason of special circumstances to be stated at the meeting, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.
Minutes
There were no urgent matters.
4
Minutes of the meeting held on 9 July 2026
The Chair will move that the minutes of the meeting be signed as a correct record. The only part of the minutes that can be discussed is their accuracy.
Attachments:
- Document Printed minutes 09072026 1830 Cabinet 28 Aug 2026
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 9 July 2026 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
5
Leader and Portfolio Holder Announcements
Minutes
The Leader provided an update regarding the Government's announcement to halt the Local Government Reorganisation process. Cabinet heard that the decision had created significant uncertainty for councils, staff and residents after considerable time and resources had been committed to the process.
It was emphasised that local authorities required clarity regarding future arrangements and a clear timetable from Government. The Leader expressed thanks to council staff, the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team and partner authorities for the substantial work undertaken to progress proposals for North Hampshire. Cabinet noted that strong working relationships established through the process would continue.
The Leader reaffirmed his confidence in the North Hampshire proposal, noting the support previously expressed by residents and stakeholders. Concern was expressed regarding the ongoing financial challenges facing Hampshire County Council and the importance of securing sustainable local government arrangements capable of delivering modern services for residents.
It was emphasised that local authorities required clarity regarding future arrangements and a clear timetable from Government. The Leader expressed thanks to council staff, the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team and partner authorities for the substantial work undertaken to progress proposals for North Hampshire. Cabinet noted that strong working relationships established through the process would continue.
The Leader reaffirmed his confidence in the North Hampshire proposal, noting the support previously expressed by residents and stakeholders. Concern was expressed regarding the ongoing financial challenges facing Hampshire County Council and the importance of securing sustainable local government arrangements capable of delivering modern services for residents.
6
Motion referred from Council - Protecting South Ham And Buckskin Residents From Compulsory Purchase And Ensuring Full Democratic Accountability
To consider the resolution referred by Council at its meeting held on 16 July 2026:
Council requests Cabinet to:
1. State clearly that this Council does not support the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders to force owner-occupiers from their homes in areas proposed for regeneration, including South Ham and Buckskin, except in the most exceptional circumstances where all reasonable alternatives have been demonstrably exhausted.
2. Request the Leader of the Council to bring forward a formal policy commitment setting out how this principle will be embedded within the Council's regeneration approach, so that residents are provided with certainty and assurance rather than remaining in prolonged uncertainty.
3. Affirm that any future proposal involving the potential use of Compulsory Purchase powers in South Ham and Buckskin must first be referred to the South Ham and Buckskin Overview and Scrutiny Committee to ensure that:
a) All reasonable alternatives have been demonstrably explored and exhausted.
b) Independent advice relating to resident protections and compensation arrangements has been made available to affected residents; and
c) The legal, financial, social and community impacts have been clearly identified and publicly reported.
4. Request that the Council publicly communicate its agreed position on Compulsory Purchase Orders to all relevant local housing associations, relevant Borough and County Councillors and to all residents in areas designated for regeneration, including homeowners and tenants, in South Ham and Buckskin, so that families in these estates can have clarity and reassurance regarding the future of their homes and communities.
Council requests the Leader of the Council
5. to write to the Secretary of State, local Members of Parliament and the Local Government Association seeking changes to national compulsory purchase legislation to establish a statutory right of ‘Equivalence’, so that any homeowner displaced through compulsory purchase for regeneration purposes shall receive compensation sufficient to secure a comparable replacement property of equivalent size, tenure and standard within their local community, together with all reasonable legal, moving, professional and associated costs, ensuring that no resident is made financially worse off, displaced from their community, or denied the opportunity to remain in the area as a direct consequence of compulsory acquisition.
Council requests Cabinet to:
1. State clearly that this Council does not support the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders to force owner-occupiers from their homes in areas proposed for regeneration, including South Ham and Buckskin, except in the most exceptional circumstances where all reasonable alternatives have been demonstrably exhausted.
2. Request the Leader of the Council to bring forward a formal policy commitment setting out how this principle will be embedded within the Council's regeneration approach, so that residents are provided with certainty and assurance rather than remaining in prolonged uncertainty.
3. Affirm that any future proposal involving the potential use of Compulsory Purchase powers in South Ham and Buckskin must first be referred to the South Ham and Buckskin Overview and Scrutiny Committee to ensure that:
a) All reasonable alternatives have been demonstrably explored and exhausted.
b) Independent advice relating to resident protections and compensation arrangements has been made available to affected residents; and
c) The legal, financial, social and community impacts have been clearly identified and publicly reported.
4. Request that the Council publicly communicate its agreed position on Compulsory Purchase Orders to all relevant local housing associations, relevant Borough and County Councillors and to all residents in areas designated for regeneration, including homeowners and tenants, in South Ham and Buckskin, so that families in these estates can have clarity and reassurance regarding the future of their homes and communities.
Council requests the Leader of the Council
5. to write to the Secretary of State, local Members of Parliament and the Local Government Association seeking changes to national compulsory purchase legislation to establish a statutory right of ‘Equivalence’, so that any homeowner displaced through compulsory purchase for regeneration purposes shall receive compensation sufficient to secure a comparable replacement property of equivalent size, tenure and standard within their local community, together with all reasonable legal, moving, professional and associated costs, ensuring that no resident is made financially worse off, displaced from their community, or denied the opportunity to remain in the area as a direct consequence of compulsory acquisition.
Minutes
Cabinet considered a motion referred by Council regarding compulsory purchase powers and regeneration proposals in South Ham and Buckskin.
In introducing the item, the Leader of the Council reiterated that the Council's established position was that compulsory purchase powers should be used only as a measure of last resort and only where demonstrably in the public interest. It was emphasised that regeneration should be undertaken with communities rather than imposed upon them, and that residents should play a central role in shaping proposals affecting their neighbourhoods. Concerns about the impact of regeneration on affected residents and the need for fair outcomes for displaced homeowners were highlighted. The Leader emphasised the principle of equivalence, stronger accountability for housing associations, and the importance of ensuring that residents had a meaningful voice in regeneration proposals. In concluding the introduction of the motion, the Leader of the Council suggested that the actions contained therein would be progressed where they fell within the Council’s powers and that the concerns expressed by Members would be communicated to SNG.
Visiting speaker, Councillor Dillow, welcomed discussion of the motion agreed by Full Council. He highlighted the uncertainty facing residents whose homes may be affected by future proposals and stressed the importance of providing clarity, reassurance and transparency.
Reference was made to the motion’s commitments to establish a formal policy on the Council’s approach to compulsory purchase orders, clearly communicate that position to residents and stakeholders, and lobby for changes to national legislation to strengthen protections for affected homeowners. Assurance was sought that progress against each element of the motion would be publicly tracked and recorded, including actions taken, communications issued and responses received, so that residents could be confident that the resolutions approved by Council were being translated into tangible action.
In response, the Leader of the Council reaffirmed that any actions to take forward the resolution of Council would be in accordance with its statutory powers and legal obligations, that any consideration of a Compulsory Purchase Order would be subject to the relevant legal and public interest tests and would only be considered as a measure of last resort, and that all actions arising from the resolution would be progressed transparently and in accordance with the Council’s constitutional arrangements.
Resolved: That Cabinet note the motion referred by Council and agree to progress the actions within the motion in accordance with legal and constitutional requirements.
In introducing the item, the Leader of the Council reiterated that the Council's established position was that compulsory purchase powers should be used only as a measure of last resort and only where demonstrably in the public interest. It was emphasised that regeneration should be undertaken with communities rather than imposed upon them, and that residents should play a central role in shaping proposals affecting their neighbourhoods. Concerns about the impact of regeneration on affected residents and the need for fair outcomes for displaced homeowners were highlighted. The Leader emphasised the principle of equivalence, stronger accountability for housing associations, and the importance of ensuring that residents had a meaningful voice in regeneration proposals. In concluding the introduction of the motion, the Leader of the Council suggested that the actions contained therein would be progressed where they fell within the Council’s powers and that the concerns expressed by Members would be communicated to SNG.
Visiting speaker, Councillor Dillow, welcomed discussion of the motion agreed by Full Council. He highlighted the uncertainty facing residents whose homes may be affected by future proposals and stressed the importance of providing clarity, reassurance and transparency.
Reference was made to the motion’s commitments to establish a formal policy on the Council’s approach to compulsory purchase orders, clearly communicate that position to residents and stakeholders, and lobby for changes to national legislation to strengthen protections for affected homeowners. Assurance was sought that progress against each element of the motion would be publicly tracked and recorded, including actions taken, communications issued and responses received, so that residents could be confident that the resolutions approved by Council were being translated into tangible action.
In response, the Leader of the Council reaffirmed that any actions to take forward the resolution of Council would be in accordance with its statutory powers and legal obligations, that any consideration of a Compulsory Purchase Order would be subject to the relevant legal and public interest tests and would only be considered as a measure of last resort, and that all actions arising from the resolution would be progressed transparently and in accordance with the Council’s constitutional arrangements.
Resolved: That Cabinet note the motion referred by Council and agree to progress the actions within the motion in accordance with legal and constitutional requirements.
7
Motion referred from Council - Increasing Biodiversity Net Gain Through the Local Plan
To consider the resolution referred by Council at its meeting held on 16 July 2026:
Council resolved to:
1. Request the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure requests officers to develop a locally specific policy for the emerging Local Plan and consults on an evidence?based policy to increase BNG above the statutory 10%, with a target of up to 20% for qualifying developments where supported by ecological evidence, viability assessments and national policy.
2. Request the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure requests officers to prepare the ecological evidence, viability assessment and draft policy options required to support an enhanced Biodiversity Net Gain policy through the Local Plan process, working with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Natural England, Natural Basingstoke and other relevant stakeholders.
3. Request the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure requests officers to prepare a work programme identifying the evidence required to support Biodiversity Net Gain requirements above 10%, including viability testing, development economics assessment, benchmarking against authorities that have proposed or adopted higher BNG requirements, and policy evidence suitable for Local Plan examination. This work should inform both Regulation 19 Local Plan policies and future Biodiversity Net Gain guidance for developers.
4. Write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs supporting greater flexibility for local planning authorities to adopt Biodiversity Net Gain requirements above the statutory minimum where justified by local evidence, and requesting continued support for ambitious, locally led nature recovery through the planning system.
Council resolved to:
1. Request the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure requests officers to develop a locally specific policy for the emerging Local Plan and consults on an evidence?based policy to increase BNG above the statutory 10%, with a target of up to 20% for qualifying developments where supported by ecological evidence, viability assessments and national policy.
2. Request the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure requests officers to prepare the ecological evidence, viability assessment and draft policy options required to support an enhanced Biodiversity Net Gain policy through the Local Plan process, working with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Natural England, Natural Basingstoke and other relevant stakeholders.
3. Request the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure requests officers to prepare a work programme identifying the evidence required to support Biodiversity Net Gain requirements above 10%, including viability testing, development economics assessment, benchmarking against authorities that have proposed or adopted higher BNG requirements, and policy evidence suitable for Local Plan examination. This work should inform both Regulation 19 Local Plan policies and future Biodiversity Net Gain guidance for developers.
4. Write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs supporting greater flexibility for local planning authorities to adopt Biodiversity Net Gain requirements above the statutory minimum where justified by local evidence, and requesting continued support for ambitious, locally led nature recovery through the planning system.
Minutes
Cabinet considered a motion referred by Council seeking to increase Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) through the emerging Local Plan.
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure advised Cabinet that the motion aligned with the Council’s approach to strengthening planning policies and minimising the environmental impacts of development, including maximising biodiversity net gain (BNG). Cabinet was informed that, whilst the new national planning policy framework limited scope to develop local planning policies, opportunities would be explored through the Local Plan process and site-specific policies to secure higher levels of BNG where evidence supported this. It was acknowledged that changes to the planning system presented challenges; however, the preparation of a new Local Plan was seen as an opportunity to achieve the highest possible biodiversity gains across the borough.
The Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency highlighted the work already underway to secure biodiversity net gain across the borough and noted that a number of developments had already delivered gains significantly above the statutory minimum. It was recognised that opportunities to achieve higher levels of biodiversity enhancement varied according to site-specific circumstances, with some larger developments capable of delivering substantially greater gains. Members also noted ongoing work to secure biodiversity credits within the borough where on-site provision was not possible and supported the continued pursuit of measures to maximise biodiversity outcomes through the planning process.
Resolved: That Cabinet support the direction of travel set out in the motion and continue work through the Local Plan process to maximise biodiversity net gain wherever supported by evidence, viability and national policy.
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure advised Cabinet that the motion aligned with the Council’s approach to strengthening planning policies and minimising the environmental impacts of development, including maximising biodiversity net gain (BNG). Cabinet was informed that, whilst the new national planning policy framework limited scope to develop local planning policies, opportunities would be explored through the Local Plan process and site-specific policies to secure higher levels of BNG where evidence supported this. It was acknowledged that changes to the planning system presented challenges; however, the preparation of a new Local Plan was seen as an opportunity to achieve the highest possible biodiversity gains across the borough.
The Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency highlighted the work already underway to secure biodiversity net gain across the borough and noted that a number of developments had already delivered gains significantly above the statutory minimum. It was recognised that opportunities to achieve higher levels of biodiversity enhancement varied according to site-specific circumstances, with some larger developments capable of delivering substantially greater gains. Members also noted ongoing work to secure biodiversity credits within the borough where on-site provision was not possible and supported the continued pursuit of measures to maximise biodiversity outcomes through the planning process.
Resolved: That Cabinet support the direction of travel set out in the motion and continue work through the Local Plan process to maximise biodiversity net gain wherever supported by evidence, viability and national policy.
8
Recommendations from the Environment and Infrastructure Committee – Climate Emergency Strategy
This report presents recommendations from the Environment and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Committee following it’s consideration of an update report concerning climate change at its meeting held on 11 June 2026.
Report of the Chair of the Environment and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Report of the Chair of the Environment and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Attachments:
- Document Recommendations from the EI Committee - Climate Change 28 Aug 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered recommendations from the Environment and Infrastructure Committee arising from its review of the Climate Emergency Strategy.
The Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency welcomed the committee’s recommendations and advised Members that all recommendations were already reflected within the current work programme, with progress having commenced on a number of areas. This included work relating to cooling and greening of buildings, strengthening blue and green infrastructure, biodiversity initiatives, drainage solutions and preparation for flash flooding.
Resolved: That Cabinet endorse the recommendations of the Environment and Infrastructure Committee and incorporate them into the ongoing work programme
The Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency welcomed the committee’s recommendations and advised Members that all recommendations were already reflected within the current work programme, with progress having commenced on a number of areas. This included work relating to cooling and greening of buildings, strengthening blue and green infrastructure, biodiversity initiatives, drainage solutions and preparation for flash flooding.
Resolved: That Cabinet endorse the recommendations of the Environment and Infrastructure Committee and incorporate them into the ongoing work programme
9
Local Plan - Next Steps
The report sets out the next steps to be taken in producing a new Local Plan.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Attachments:
- Document Report 28 Aug 2026
- Document Appendix 1-LP timetable 28 Aug 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report setting out the proposed next steps for preparation of the new Local Plan.
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure explained that significant uncertainty remained regarding future water supply capacity following concerns raised through the Water Cycle Study and the Regulation 18 consultation process. Despite extensive engagement with South East Water, the Environment Agency and Government, definitive information regarding future water availability had not been provided. He added that as a result, it would not be possible to progress the Local Plan under the current planning system and advised that the most appropriate course of action was to proceed under the Government's new planning framework. Cabinet were advised that a new Local Plan would take approximately three years to prepare, leaving the borough vulnerable to speculative development. It was noted that the Council would continue to seek Government support while progressing a new Local Plan under the revised planning system to provide greater certainty for residents.
Visiting speaker, Councillor Carter from West Berkshire Council addressed Cabinet regarding the proposed reset of the Local Plan process. He requested that the Council use the opportunity to reconsider the proposed West End Farm allocation and urged that any future assessment be supported by robust evidence of cross-boundary infrastructure impacts, including transport, healthcare, education, wastewater and environmental capacity. It was further requested that the site be assessed consistently against alternative options and that any mitigation required within West Berkshire be demonstrated as proportionate, deliverable, funded and secured before any allocation was progressed. The importance of fully understanding and addressing the cross-boundary consequences of development proposals was emphasised.
In response, it was confirmed that all comments submitted through the previous consultation process would continue to inform future work. It was explained that a fresh assessment process would be undertaken under the new planning system, including a renewed call for sites and reconsideration of the spatial strategy.
Cabinet discussed infrastructure uncertainty, particularly relating to water supply and wastewater capacity, and reiterated the importance of infrastructure-led growth. Concern was also expressed regarding the continued risk of speculative development while a new Local Plan was prepared. Members noted ongoing efforts to seek Government support and protection from speculative development given the circumstances affecting the borough.
Resolved: That Cabinet
1) Agree that work on a new local plan should proceed under the new planning system as set out in the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) and the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026
2) Approve the publication of the Local Plan Timetable and delegate authority to the Head of Planning and Infrastructure in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure to amend or add information to the timetable, as and when required, to ensure ongoing compliance with relevant guidance and regulations.
3) Approve the publication of the Notice of intention to commence Local Plan Preparation, alongside the new Local Plan Timetable.
4) Delegate authority to the Head of Planning and Infrastructure in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure to agree the details of and undertake a scoping consultation in the Autumn. This includes delegation to finalise the Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping and Habitats Regulations Assessment Pre-Screening for consultation.
5) Delegate authority to the Head of Planning and Infrastructure in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning to publish the required documentation to pass through Gateway 1 in Spring 2027.
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure explained that significant uncertainty remained regarding future water supply capacity following concerns raised through the Water Cycle Study and the Regulation 18 consultation process. Despite extensive engagement with South East Water, the Environment Agency and Government, definitive information regarding future water availability had not been provided. He added that as a result, it would not be possible to progress the Local Plan under the current planning system and advised that the most appropriate course of action was to proceed under the Government's new planning framework. Cabinet were advised that a new Local Plan would take approximately three years to prepare, leaving the borough vulnerable to speculative development. It was noted that the Council would continue to seek Government support while progressing a new Local Plan under the revised planning system to provide greater certainty for residents.
Visiting speaker, Councillor Carter from West Berkshire Council addressed Cabinet regarding the proposed reset of the Local Plan process. He requested that the Council use the opportunity to reconsider the proposed West End Farm allocation and urged that any future assessment be supported by robust evidence of cross-boundary infrastructure impacts, including transport, healthcare, education, wastewater and environmental capacity. It was further requested that the site be assessed consistently against alternative options and that any mitigation required within West Berkshire be demonstrated as proportionate, deliverable, funded and secured before any allocation was progressed. The importance of fully understanding and addressing the cross-boundary consequences of development proposals was emphasised.
In response, it was confirmed that all comments submitted through the previous consultation process would continue to inform future work. It was explained that a fresh assessment process would be undertaken under the new planning system, including a renewed call for sites and reconsideration of the spatial strategy.
Cabinet discussed infrastructure uncertainty, particularly relating to water supply and wastewater capacity, and reiterated the importance of infrastructure-led growth. Concern was also expressed regarding the continued risk of speculative development while a new Local Plan was prepared. Members noted ongoing efforts to seek Government support and protection from speculative development given the circumstances affecting the borough.
Resolved: That Cabinet
1) Agree that work on a new local plan should proceed under the new planning system as set out in the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) and the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026
2) Approve the publication of the Local Plan Timetable and delegate authority to the Head of Planning and Infrastructure in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure to amend or add information to the timetable, as and when required, to ensure ongoing compliance with relevant guidance and regulations.
3) Approve the publication of the Notice of intention to commence Local Plan Preparation, alongside the new Local Plan Timetable.
4) Delegate authority to the Head of Planning and Infrastructure in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure to agree the details of and undertake a scoping consultation in the Autumn. This includes delegation to finalise the Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping and Habitats Regulations Assessment Pre-Screening for consultation.
5) Delegate authority to the Head of Planning and Infrastructure in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning to publish the required documentation to pass through Gateway 1 in Spring 2027.
10
Regeneration Lettings Plans – Amendment to Housing Allocations Scheme
This report recommends Cabinet approve a minor adaptation to a previously adopted policy provision within the Council’s statutory Housing Allocations scheme.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Residents Services and Housing
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Residents Services and Housing
Attachments:
- Document Report 28 Aug 2026
- Document Appendix 1- Policy Exceptions 28 Aug 2026
- Document Appendix 2 Framework 28 Aug 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report proposing a minor amendment to the Housing Allocations Scheme relating to regeneration lettings.
The Cabinet Member for Residents' Services and Housing explained that the amendments were intended to provide greater flexibility and support for social housing tenants displaced through regeneration schemes, whilst maintaining fairness for other applicants on the housing register. The proposals also placed greater responsibility upon Registered Providers to demonstrate they had adequate resources and housing provision available to support affected residents.
Visiting speakers were invited to address Cabinet.
Councillor Watts supported the proposed amendments and welcomed the greater flexibility being introduced. He highlighted concerns regarding the South Ham and Buckskin regeneration proposals and sought assurances on the replacement of demolished affordable housing, the availability of sufficient accommodation to rehouse affected tenants, and the arrangements for monitoring registered providers' commitments. He also emphasised the importance of ensuring residents had the opportunity to return to regenerated communities and called for registered providers to provide financial assistance to those wishing to move back following redevelopment.
In response, the Cabinet Member for Residents' Services and Housing advised that the revised framework would provide greater flexibility to support residents affected by regeneration schemes whilst ensuring the wider housing needs of the borough continued to be met. She stated that registered providers would be expected to demonstrate that they had the resources and accommodation required to deliver decant and rehousing programmes and confirmed that the Council would work closely with partners to monitor delivery. She further noted that the policy expected registered providers to set out whether they would assist residents wishing to return to regenerated communities and agreed to raise concerns regarding financial support for return moves with Sovereign Network Group.
Councillor Dillow supported the amendments and welcomed the proposal to award Band 1 priority earlier in the regeneration process. He emphasised the significant impact that regeneration could have on established communities and stressed the importance of ensuring residents were supported in securing suitable alternative accommodation. Whilst supportive of the proposals, he encouraged a flexible approach to the proposed limits on Band 1 priority cases and rehousing thresholds where individual circumstances warranted it. He also supported measures to assist residents wishing to return to regenerated communities and suggested that financial assistance should be considered to ensure residents were not disadvantaged.
In response, the Cabinet Member reiterated the Council's commitment to supporting residents through the regeneration process but noted the need to balance those needs against the demands of other households requiring social housing. She advised that limits on Band 1 cases were necessary given the finite supply of affordable housing but confirmed that residents would receive enhanced support, including extended periods of priority and ongoing assistance where rehousing had not been secured within the initial timeframe. She further highlighted the range of concessions included within the proposed policy, describing them as evidence of the Council's commitment to supporting regeneration tenants.
Councillor Elliott welcomed the progress being made and broadly supported the proposals. She queried the rationale for the proposed annual limit of 30 Band 1 cases and the requirement for 75% of households within one phase to be rehoused before subsequent phases commenced. She expressed concern that the proposed limits may not adequately reflect the scale of the South Ham and Buckskin regeneration programme and sought clarification on the circumstances in which exceptions would be permitted. She also highlighted the importance of maintaining regular and proactive communication with affected residents throughout the regeneration process to reduce uncertainty and provide reassurance.
In response, the Cabinet Member advised that the proposed thresholds had been established to ensure that regeneration-related rehousing did not adversely impact other households in housing need. She explained that registered providers would be expected to utilise their own housing stock and development pipeline to support decant programmes. The Cabinet Member further stated that any exceptions would be considered on a case-by-case basis, reflecting the specific circumstances of individual regeneration schemes. She emphasised that the policy provided a framework applicable to all regeneration projects rather than any particular scheme and confirmed that Members would have opportunities through scrutiny arrangements to monitor delivery and implementation.
Cabinet welcomed the enhanced provisions within the amended framework, including earlier access to Band 1 priority, extended support periods and greater flexibility for displaced tenants.
Resolved: That Cabinet
1) Approve the Regeneration Priority Assessment Framework as at Appendix 2 of the report.
2) Authorise the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to amend the Prioritising of applications for housing in para 10.2 of the regeneration addendum to reflect the revised approach set out in appendix 2 of the report.
3) Authorise the Head of Housing and Homelessness to make decisions on Band 1 status under the Regeneration Priority Framework
4) Authorise the Director of Resident Services to review the award of priority decisions where the registered provider requests a review
The Cabinet Member for Residents' Services and Housing explained that the amendments were intended to provide greater flexibility and support for social housing tenants displaced through regeneration schemes, whilst maintaining fairness for other applicants on the housing register. The proposals also placed greater responsibility upon Registered Providers to demonstrate they had adequate resources and housing provision available to support affected residents.
Visiting speakers were invited to address Cabinet.
Councillor Watts supported the proposed amendments and welcomed the greater flexibility being introduced. He highlighted concerns regarding the South Ham and Buckskin regeneration proposals and sought assurances on the replacement of demolished affordable housing, the availability of sufficient accommodation to rehouse affected tenants, and the arrangements for monitoring registered providers' commitments. He also emphasised the importance of ensuring residents had the opportunity to return to regenerated communities and called for registered providers to provide financial assistance to those wishing to move back following redevelopment.
In response, the Cabinet Member for Residents' Services and Housing advised that the revised framework would provide greater flexibility to support residents affected by regeneration schemes whilst ensuring the wider housing needs of the borough continued to be met. She stated that registered providers would be expected to demonstrate that they had the resources and accommodation required to deliver decant and rehousing programmes and confirmed that the Council would work closely with partners to monitor delivery. She further noted that the policy expected registered providers to set out whether they would assist residents wishing to return to regenerated communities and agreed to raise concerns regarding financial support for return moves with Sovereign Network Group.
Councillor Dillow supported the amendments and welcomed the proposal to award Band 1 priority earlier in the regeneration process. He emphasised the significant impact that regeneration could have on established communities and stressed the importance of ensuring residents were supported in securing suitable alternative accommodation. Whilst supportive of the proposals, he encouraged a flexible approach to the proposed limits on Band 1 priority cases and rehousing thresholds where individual circumstances warranted it. He also supported measures to assist residents wishing to return to regenerated communities and suggested that financial assistance should be considered to ensure residents were not disadvantaged.
In response, the Cabinet Member reiterated the Council's commitment to supporting residents through the regeneration process but noted the need to balance those needs against the demands of other households requiring social housing. She advised that limits on Band 1 cases were necessary given the finite supply of affordable housing but confirmed that residents would receive enhanced support, including extended periods of priority and ongoing assistance where rehousing had not been secured within the initial timeframe. She further highlighted the range of concessions included within the proposed policy, describing them as evidence of the Council's commitment to supporting regeneration tenants.
Councillor Elliott welcomed the progress being made and broadly supported the proposals. She queried the rationale for the proposed annual limit of 30 Band 1 cases and the requirement for 75% of households within one phase to be rehoused before subsequent phases commenced. She expressed concern that the proposed limits may not adequately reflect the scale of the South Ham and Buckskin regeneration programme and sought clarification on the circumstances in which exceptions would be permitted. She also highlighted the importance of maintaining regular and proactive communication with affected residents throughout the regeneration process to reduce uncertainty and provide reassurance.
In response, the Cabinet Member advised that the proposed thresholds had been established to ensure that regeneration-related rehousing did not adversely impact other households in housing need. She explained that registered providers would be expected to utilise their own housing stock and development pipeline to support decant programmes. The Cabinet Member further stated that any exceptions would be considered on a case-by-case basis, reflecting the specific circumstances of individual regeneration schemes. She emphasised that the policy provided a framework applicable to all regeneration projects rather than any particular scheme and confirmed that Members would have opportunities through scrutiny arrangements to monitor delivery and implementation.
Cabinet welcomed the enhanced provisions within the amended framework, including earlier access to Band 1 priority, extended support periods and greater flexibility for displaced tenants.
Resolved: That Cabinet
1) Approve the Regeneration Priority Assessment Framework as at Appendix 2 of the report.
2) Authorise the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to amend the Prioritising of applications for housing in para 10.2 of the regeneration addendum to reflect the revised approach set out in appendix 2 of the report.
3) Authorise the Head of Housing and Homelessness to make decisions on Band 1 status under the Regeneration Priority Framework
4) Authorise the Director of Resident Services to review the award of priority decisions where the registered provider requests a review
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