Issue - meetings

Purpose of Report

To update the Executive on progress of Birchwood Area Community Land Trust in their objectives of redeveloping land at Jasmin Green in Birchwood for residential use and open space.

Decision

(1)       That the decision to reaffirm the decisions at the 17 July 2017 meeting       of the Executive to transfer the freehold interest of land at the Jasmin        Green open space to Birchwood Area Community Lane Trust Limited at             the nominal value of £1 for the purpose of residential development be       deferred until Spring 2020.

(2)       That the decision to reaffirm the decisions at the 17 July 2017 meeting of the Executive to lease land at Jasmin Green open space to Birchwood Area Community Land Trust Limited for a period of ten years at a nominal sum of £1 be deferred until Spring 2020.

(3)       That any decision to reaffirm the decision to transfer the freehold and lease of land be subject to business cases detailing the financial ability of Birchwood Area Community Land Trust Limited to deliver a housing scheme which can demonstrate it is meeting strategic housing need.

(4)       That the housing scheme be required to demonstrate to the Council its viability in terms of management in order to maintain the housing development for the purpose agreed in terms of governance by a suitable accountable body.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None.

Reason for Decision

Birchwood Big Local was allocated £1 million funding in 2012 through the National Lottery’s Big Local programme to make a lasting difference to their community. Birchwood Big Local had identified Jasmin Green as a key area for enhanced open space and in 2015 it set up Birchwood Area Community Land Trust Limited which was a body that could own and lease land and buildings on behalf of Birchwood Big Local and the Birchwood Community. Their proposal was to develop new housing on a portion of Jasmin Green which would create a surplus revenue stream to maintain the enhanced open space, with capital works for the open space being funded from the Big Local funding.

Birchwood Area Community Land Trust Limited had gained experience in running and maintaining projects and now owned and operated the play area at Diamond Park, Birchwood. In terms of the Jasmin Green project, and particularly the housing development element, the Trust was now receiving support from the East Midlands Community Led Limited Housing organisation. Whilst the Trust’s initial proposals set out in the Executive report of 2017 centred on open space, the current proposals saw a change in emphasis with the scheme becoming a housing provider as a primary aim. At the July 2017 meeting of the Executive, approval was given in principle to the sale of the majority of the land at Jasmin Green and the lease of the remained area of land to Birchwood Area Community Land Trust Limited in order that it could progress its proposal for recreational and housing developments, subject to review after two years. The Trust had requested that the Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57