Agenda item

To consider the attached monitoring report

Questions/comments on the report included:

·       Page 27 Vital, Viable Council.  Jack Williams explained that the report was based on exceptions so if everything was on track it would not be specifically mentioned. More details were requested of the types of complaints e.g. Officers, Councillors or Process

·       Delivery of housing: Quarterly inspections used to take place and the view expressed that they should recommence

·       Section 7 Moving up a gear.  Briefing requested on the ward specific cycle project.  It was recognised that CIL and S106 financial reporting would be helpful at Ward level and this would be progressed

·       Roof over our heads – updated information would be included in the Members Newsletter if possible.  Officers advised that the data was updated annually rather that throughout the year as it is received from Building Control and Contractors.  Regarding affordable housing it is estimated that 180 houses will be delivered by Housing Associations (target 128 so the over achievement should be celebrated).  Subject to the adoption of the new Local Plan, there is confidence that numbers will improve relating to affordable homes in rural areas and Adaptive homes. Regarding affordable housing officers get information direct from the Housing Associations as they are required to meet targets from Homes England

·       Do we refer to the Land Registry quarterly data? Not for completions as that comes through Building Control

·       5% of self-build - do we have numbers available?  Some is available online but not sure how up to date that is. 

·       There is evidence that collaborative work is achieving results e.g. Dartmoor National Park

·       Are we confident that we can achieve the targets set by Government? 720 in the Local Plan (if approved) which is achievable

·       Regarding ‘affordable’ are we referring to ‘buy’ or ‘rent’? The greatest need is for one bedroom properties.  Affordable rent is a legislative term and is 80% of the market rent.  The new Local Plan refers to Social rent which is nearer to 50 or 60% of the market rent.  Shared ownership is also an option.  The Council are actively encouraging the delivery of 1 and 4 bedroom properties.  One bedroom properties are being encouraged with their own front doors which has the added benefit of avoiding shared areas with the associated service charges

·       There may be setbacks arising from the recent refusal of 2 significant planning applications.  What action will be taken to review the reasons behind the refusals and accountability of issues that should have been resolved before they came to committee?  Refer to the Interim Head of Development Management for a written response on the planning process.  The impact is difficult to quantify and will be considered in the delivery action plan.  The planning Task & Finish Group will consider these issues when it reconvenes

·       What are we, as a Council, doing to help with housing? Everything we possibly can, including flats above shops in the Town Centre, although separate entrances are required.  If any member knows of any premises that could be suitable, please let officers know so that opportunities can be investigated.  The Chair explained that the informal pre-scrutiny meeting in December covered Housing in some detail

·       It was noted that there had been some excellent work in bringing empty properties back into use including previously utilising various schemes to give loans/grants to businesses/owners who then leased the properties back to the Council at affordable rent levels

·       The high cost and threat of eviction in private rental properties is affecting many residents.  This was covered at the December meeting but it was suggested that we need to find ways of communicating to residents that Teignbridge do care about the situation

The meeting adjourned at 11:08 am