Agenda and minutes

The Committee noted the evacuation and housekeeping procedure.

There were no declarations of interest.  

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 15 July 2024.

AGREED the minutes of the meeting held on 15 July 2024 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive evidence from representatives of a Private Developer and Private Letting Agent

The Committee received evidence from the Regional Managing Director of Keepmoat Homes which included:

·       An overview of Keepmoat Homes

·       The type of partnerships with housing associations and local authorities they were involved in

·       Examples of ways the Council could work with private developers to increase their supply of affordable housing

·       Reasons why a development may get stalled or not go ahead

·       Challenges for delivering the number and types of affordable housing set out in SBC’s local plan.

The main issues highlighted and discussed were as follows:

·       It was noted that Keepmoat sourced more challenging sites that may have technical issues and transformed them to developable sites. They were able to apply for different types of funding for these types of sites such as brownfield site funding. They had growth plans to build an extra 200/300 affordable properties per year.

·       Members questioned if Keepmoat had always worked with Local Authorities and Registered Housing Providers to build affordable housing. It was explained that previously there was a commercial part of the business, but this had been sold and the business now operated a capital light model. It was noted that the Keepmoat would work in partnerships with other private developers, building the affordable housing and infrastructure for a development.

·       The different schemes that Keepmoat had been involved in were noted, including a project in partnership with another local authority and  registered housing provider whereby the site was financially unviable, and a housing grant was secured to build 66 houses in 12 months via the Homes England Grant. It was noted that Homes England Grant funds were only rewarded if the properties were not built via 106 agreements, and the Community Infrastructure Levey (CIL) was waived if a developer was building 100% affordable housing on a site.

·       The number of affordable properties being built on developments was discussed, with members noting that this was much lower than the current need. Keepmoat noted that they could not build more than 750 on one site as the business would then become too big to replenish the land.

·       Lead in times for building was discussed and costs to build a property was raised. It was noted that the land could cost £10,000 - £15,000 per plot, before other costs were even considered. A scheme could take 3 – 4 years to come to fruition and Keepmoat were currently planning schemes to be built in 2027.

·       Keepmoat highlighted that the number of skilled workers in the labour market was a big issue for developers. There were not enough trained workers in the different trades in the building sector, and not enough people being trained in the sector. There was a shortage of scaffolders and roofers in particular.

·       Another issue highlighted by Keepmoat was the biodiversity planning laws that came into force on 12 February 2024, whereby developers had to deliver a minimum of 10% increase of the lands biodiversity value. If it was not possible to do so on a site, they had to buy biodiversity  ...  view the full minutes text for item PLA/26/24

To receive a progress update on the Scrutiny Review of Planning (Development Management) and Adoption of Open Space

Consideration was given to assessments of progress on the implementation of the recommendations from the Committee’s previously completed review of Planning (Development Management) and Adoption of Open Space. This was second update following the Committee’s agreement of the action plan in January 2023.

It was noted that actions were in place to progress the gaps in data layering for Map@stockton and a further update would be provided in the next quarter.

AGREED that the progress update be noted and assessments of progress be confirmed.

Consideration was given to the Work Programme.

The next meeting would be held on Monday 14 October 2024.

AGREED that the work Programme be noted.