COUNCIL MEETING, 16 MAY 2005

REPORT OF THE

Cabinet / Leader

PART II

REGIONAL HOUSING STRATEGY

1. The County Council has been consulted on a draft Regional Housing Strategy by the South East Regional Housing Board setting out the approach and priorities for investment in housing in the south east region for the rest of the decade. The Strategy proposes that:-

- the majority of investment would be channelled through the Housing Corporation to build new properties for rent in the areas of greatest need in the region;

- only schemes that achieve a minimum of 40 units per hectare would be invested in;

- approximately two-thirds of the funding for affordable housing will be for social rented accommodation (aimed at addressing the net loss of this type of accommodation in the region in previous years); and

- attention would be focussed on strategic sites that are aligned with areas of greatest need (this does not include the Major Development Areas at Waterlooville and Andover as they are not currently considered by the draft Regional Housing Strategy to be in the areas of greatest need and therefore may not be supported by funding).

2. On 21 March 2005 the Cabinet considered the draft consultation Strategy document and the proposed County Council response. The Cabinet's deliberations resulted in support for the overall Strategy but strong concerns were expressed that the proposals did not go far enough in respect of meeting the needs of local communities, with particular emphasis on the key issues of affordability and the adequate provision of social housing. In approving the response, the Cabinet's additional views were included namely: overall concern at yet more bureaucracy and indicators, and identified the proposed indicators it would like to see discarded; that Ministry of Defence land should be brought forward more effectively to address housing needs in the region through more open, partnership working with elected local authorities; highlighted the significant impact that a lack of funding for Hampshire's MDA's at Andover and Waterlooville would have on the County Council's ability to meet housing requirements as set out in Regional Planning Guidance; and considered that the proposed regional provision of 450 additional pitches for travellers and gypsies was inadequate. The decision supports Aim 4 of the Corporate Strategy by working with others to build strong, safe and sustainable communities.

3. The County Council's response was submitted to the South East Regional Housing Board on 21 March 2005. A copy of the substantive response is available in the Members' Rooms and additional copies can be obtained on request from Democratic Services in the Chief Executive's department.