*HC 53/21
The Committee considered a report that set out a
series of issues that related to the housing challenges currently
facing the West Devon Borough area.
In discussion, the following points were
raised:-
(a)
Officers confirmed that, as part of the
upcoming Joint Local Plan (JLP) review, the matter of the current
JLP affordable housing threshold would be included. Furthermore, some Members believed that the actual
definition of ‘affordable’ should also be
revisited;
(b)
It was noted that a further contributory
factor to the housing challenges in the Borough that was not
referenced in the published agenda report were the increased
numbers of Air bnb properties in West
Devon;
(c)
Members were of the view that the Housing
crisis in the Borough was currently the single biggest challenge
facing the Council. In particular, the
need for good quality rental accommodation and intermediate
affordable products was recognised;
(d)
Members acknowledged the excellent work
of the outreach officer, who had been tasked with homelessness and
rough sleeper prevention and intervention and welcomed that this
role had recently become a permanent member of staff;
(e)
In respect of Section 106 agreements,
some Members made the point that off-site contributions were often
a locally emotive subject that required careful
messaging.
It
was then RESOLVED that:
1.
the amendments to the Tenants Incentive Downsizing
Scheme (as set out at Appendix 1) be approved;
2.
the Director of Place and Enterprise be asked to
write to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and
Communities to lobby for the changes to the broad market areas; the
second homes business rate loophole; and supported exempt
accommodation regulations (as identified in the presented agenda
report);
3.
the work of the five-year Housing Strategy be
supported and the importance of partnership working be
reinforced;
4.
agreement be given to commencing preparation of a
new South Hams and West Devon Homeless Strategy for
2022-27;
5.
the new Homelessness Strategy be focused on four
specific client groups:
-
single households;
-
families;
-
households with additional needs; and
-
rough sleepers; and
6.
the proposed consultation approach be approved in
addition to the adopted Consultation and Engagement
Strategy.