Agenda item

HC 66             

The Committee was presented with a report that recommended adoption of the draft South Hams and West Devon Housing Strategy for 2021/26.

In discussion, reference was made to:-

(a)    the affordable housing numbers in the annual delivery plan.  When questioned, officers advised that the numbers would be in line with those that had been adopted in the Joint Local Plan.  In response to a specific request, officers agreed to circulate these numbers (including the numbers of shared ownership properties that were to come forward) to Members outside of this meeting;

(b)    the definition(s) of affordable housing.  When considering the Delivery Plan in future years, some Members felt that it would be beneficial to include more detail in relation to the definition(s) of affordable housing and the different types of tenure to be included in development schemes;

(c)     the direct links to the Health and Wellbeing agenda.  In stressing the close linkages to Health and Wellbeing, the lead Member stated the need for good quality housing to be developed;

(d)    thanks to the lead officers.  In particular, Members wished to record their thanks to the Head of Housing, Revenues and Benefits for her hard work and efforts in developing such a comprehensive Strategy and Delivery Plan whilst also being heavily involved in the Council’s response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

It was then reSOLVed that:

1.       Council be RECOMMENDED to adopt the “Better Homes, Better Lives” – the South Hams and West Devon Housing Strategy for 2021-2026 (as set out at Appendix 1 to the presented agenda report); and

2.       the Delivery Plan for 2021 that supports the South Hams and West Devon Housing Strategy for 2021-2026 (as outlined at Appendix 2 to the presented agenda report) be approved.