Decision details

STOCKTON-ON-TEES BOROUGH COUNCIL

CABINET INFORMATION ITEM

PROFORMA

Cabinet Meeting ........................................................................ 12 December 2024

1. Title of Item/Report

 The Sycamores Housing Development (Closure Report)

2. Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on the Sycamores Housing Development (Closure Report).

Housing is a key contributor to the health & well-being and quality of life for the Borough’s residents and a key driver in supporting the Boroughs economic growth.  

As part of the Councils strategic regeneration plans it was a longstanding ambition to bring forward a housing development on the former Victoria Estate and adjacent Elm House sites, to provide quality, truly affordable and inclusive homes within the heart of Stockton town centre. 

As all homes on The Sycamores had been built, sold and occupied the report detailed the successful delivery of this town centre re-development.  Highlighting that the new homes delivered not only addressed local housing needs but also delivered broader social and economic benefits as well as a financial return to the authority.

Looking forward as the Council explores options for accelerating affordable housing delivery the learning and reflections from this partnership (and delivery model) will be considered.  They included:

- An effective governance structure (monthly project meetings, with an ‘open book approach ensured effective project & financial monitoring and formal Board meetings which provided an escalation route if required).

- The ability of the partnership to operate with an element of flexibility and agility to maximise funding opportunities as these arose (on this occasion securing access to the Brownfield Housing Fund and First Homes monies).

- Securing the right level of expertise (skills and financial) to deliver on the Councils ambitions.

- The benefits (and need) of an effective internal inter-department project team (legal, financial, planning, land and property and housing colleagues for example) who provided dedicated support to the project at all stages (procurement, establishing the legal arrangements and throughout project delivery).  Which in turn facilitated effect partnership arrangements with Keepmoat.

3. Reasons for the Decision

 N/A

4. Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

 None

5. Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

 None

6. Details of any Dispensations

 None

7. Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

 N/A

Proper Officer