Issue - meetings

The report of the Director – Neighbourhoods is attached.

It was RESOLVED that Cabinet approves the Housing Delivery Plan 2022 – 2027 (Appendix 1 of the report) and Action Plan (Appendix 2 of the report).

The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities and Climate Change, Councillor Brennan, presented the report of the Director – Neighbourhoods, outlining the Council’s Housing Delivery Plan for 2022 to 2027.   

Councillor Brennan advised that the Plan set out three high level priorities, with associated actions and targets to deliver those priorities, details of which were highlighted in paragraphs 1.3 and 4.4 of the report.

Councillor Brennan reminded Cabinet that although it was no longer mandatory to produce such a Plan, it did support the Council’s statutory duties and it clearly linked to its Corporate Priorities. 

In conclusion, Councillor Brennan stated that this was a clear and concise Plan, with measurable targets, as detailed in paragraph 5.4 of the document attached as Appendix 1 to the report and in Appendix 2 of the report.  The Plan provided an excellent overview of the housing situation in the Borough, together with the Council’s plans to address those issues raised and Councillor Brennan commended the officers involved in compiling the Plan.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Inglis referred to the importance of housing and having an ongoing strategy, which could be clearly monitored in the priority areas.  Rushcliffe’s excellent reputation in providing affordable and sustainable housing, beyond national standards was well known and the importance of ensuring both quality and environmental sustainability was becoming even more important, especially when there was increasing uncertainty over future energy costs.  Councillor Inglis reminded Cabinet of the far reaching social and wellbeing consequences that homelessness caused and stated that it was pleasing to note that the Council had a strong support system in place to offer support. 

The Leader reiterated comments made regarding the need to address the pressures on housing, not just locally but nationally and stated that the focus must be on the green agenda, to improve standards and that developers and manufacturers had to catch up with new technology.

Councillor Moore referred to the new development at Abbey Road, which would be very energy efficient and stated that he was pleased that the Council was moving in the right direction, particularly as energy costs continued to rise.    

It was RESOLVED that Cabinet approves the Housing Delivery Plan 2022 – 2027 (Appendix 1 of the report) and Action Plan (Appendix 2 of the report).