Agenda item

Recommendations on pages 61 and 62

RESOLVED –

1)   That approval be granted for the targeted marketing and subsequent sale by informal tender of the following plots to individuals and groups registered on the Council’s self-build and custom housebuilding register for a price no less than the senior valuer’s market valuation:

a)         Land at Baker Street, Creswell

            b)         Land at Blind Lane, Bolsover

            c)         263A Creswell Rd,Clowne

2)   That, if by 30th June 2020, no successful bids have been forthcoming, the sites shall be disposed of by public auction.

3)   That delegated power be granted to the Director of Development to agree the terms for the sale (including the price) of other Council-owned land surplus to requirements to individuals or groups on the Council’s self-build and custom housebuilding register, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder, and on the basis that the land shall not be disposed of for a price less than the senior valuer’s market valuation of that land.

Executive considered the report of the Portfolio Holder – Housing & Community Safety which detailed a proposal for the sale of council owned land to registered custom and self-builders for a consideration less than the best that can reasonably be obtained. Approval was sought for the targeting marketing and subsequent sale of the following plots to individuals and groups registered on the Council’s self-build and custom housebuilding register:

a)  Land at Baker Street, Creswell

b)  Land at Blind Lane, Bolsover

c)  263A Creswell Road, Clowne

Executive were advised that there were around 30 people on the custom and self-build register at the time of the meeting. It was confirmed in response to a Member’s question that those on the register would still be able to bid on the sites if they were sold via public auction.

Members asked that the informal tender process for bids from those on the custom and self-build register should be given a timeline for the completion of the contract in order to avoid delay between a bid being accepted and the sale.

It was also requested that further publicity and targeted marketing be carried out of the custom and self-build register and opportunities.

Moved by Councillor Sandra Peak and seconded by Councillor Clive Moesby

RESOLVED –

1)    That approval be granted for the targeted marketing and subsequent sale by informal tender of the following plots to individuals and groups registered on the Council’s self-build and custom housebuilding register for a price no less than the senior valuer’s market valuation:

a)         Land at Baker Street, Creswell

            b)         Land at Blind Lane, Bolsover

            c)         263A Creswell Road, Clowne

2)    That, if by 30th June 2020, no successful bids have been forthcoming, the sites shall be disposed of by public auction.

3)    That delegated power be granted to the Director of Development to agree the terms for the sale (including the price) of other Council-owned land surplus to requirements to individuals or groups on the Council’s self-build and custom housebuilding register, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder, and on the basis that the land shall not be disposed of for a price less than the senior valuer’s market valuation of that land.

REASON FOR DECISION:

This approach was to help to diversify the type of housing across the District and make a positive contribution to housing delivery.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED:

The nominated sites had been chosen as they were considered to be the most attractive to individuals on the register, they qualified as serviced plots (within the regulatory definition) and they had the benefit of local development orders granting permission in principle for custom and self-build houses on the land.

Disposing of these sites through public auction was considered but with due regard to the duties placed on the Council by the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015, it was agreed to dispose of the nominated sites at less than best consideration to promote opportunities for custom and self builders on the register to acquire land. 

(Director of Development)