Decision details

Consideration was given to a report of the Strategic Director of Children, Families and Adults and the Interim Strategic Director of Places and Organisational Capacity on the draft Supported Housing Strategy.

Key issues had been identified in relation to the current availability of suitable accommodation for older people as they became less able to support themselves.  The Council’s Housing Strategy already identified that the Council had to provide different housing options to meets the needs of an ageing population and other vulnerable residents. 

The development of the Supported Housing Strategy was designed to help address these issues and develop a way forward that ensured a greater range of accommodation options for older and other vulnerable people when required.  At the same time the drafting of the Local Plan allowed for appropriate Policy Principles to be put forward that,  would in the future, encourage an appropriate ‘accommodation with care’ mix in new residential developments to provide these options.

In addition there could be opportunities to negotiate supported housing developments through current Section 106 Agreements and in future through the Community Infrastructure Levy.  This would be where there was a clear need, where such a development offered an appropriate local solution and was viable and sustainable.

RESOLVED:

1          That the draft Supporting Housing Strategy and preliminary findings be noted.

2          The links to the Policy Principles within the Local Plan and the opportunity to ensure a strategic link between the Plan and the Supported Housing Strategy be noted.

3          That negotiations though Section 106 Agreements, where deemed appropriate because of local need, to develop some showcase supported housing units developments (and in the future to pursue these opportunities through the Community Infrastructure Levy) be supported.