Below is the info that is being proposed: 

           IDENTIFIED SITES

3.1                    The sites detailed below represent a small proportion of those council owned sites which could potentially be re-developed in Thurrock. All council owned sites identified for redevelopment in this programme have been identified on the basis of criteria based on under-use, nuisance or poor land use and that have not been identified in the Strategic Land Availability Assessment for the Local Development Framework.  The site table also depicts the number of units (both in terms of mixed use or family sized accommodation):

3.2                    The table below is a 2^nd level planning assessment of the suitability of surplus sites for residential development for bids to the HCA. At present there are no significant high level constraints. Detailed assessments e.g. archaeology, ground contamination, highways, consideration of layout and design constraints, etc are required.

Table 1: Potential Sites

3.3       The above table is discussed in more detail in Appendix 1.

3.4       The Housing Department are currently in discussion with Social Care to explore the possibility of a joint development on the Whiteacre site in South Ockendon. If it is not feasible, then the site will be withdrawn from the PLI scheme.

4.         METHOD OF DISPOSING OF SITES

4.1       It is proposed to dispose of the sites at nil cost to an appointed partner who will oversee the design and build, sale and financing. The HCA will fund the purchase of the affordable homes via a RSL.

4.2       Subject to an investigation of title for those properties which the Council wishes to dispose of, the Council has the power under section 32 of the Housing Act 1985 to dispose of the properties listed.  Such disposal of properties on HRA land will however require the consent of the Secretary of State.  The Secretary of State has in the past stated that the Council must carry out consultation with its housing tenants where the properties involved are part of housing estates.  The reasons for deciding to dispose after consultation must be provided to the Secretary of State at the time consent is sought.

4.4       Subject to approval by the Secretary of State, the council will transfer the land to a developer in return for a share in the equity with an agreed arrangement in place in respect of risk and profit sharing on the development.  The transfer of land will not take place until capital funding, in whole or in part, has been secured through the HCA’s PLI and/or National Affordable Housing Programme or alternative routes. 

5          RESIDENT AND STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION

5.1       Although we have alerted Ward Councillors to these sites, it is recognised that more detailed consultation with Ward Councillors and residents will need to occur. Therefore detailed consultation with local residents and stakeholders will occur with the support of the appointed developer/designer to develop a Housing Planning Brief.

6.           PROPOSAL

6.1       To dispose of and redevelop the under utilised Council owned sites it is proposed that, subject to Planning Approval, that the following actions will be undertaken.

·         Full consultation with Planning and Development Officers about the proposals

·         Consultation with local residents

·         Obtain vacant possession of all sites

·         Invitation to local housing associations to submit details and fully costed proposals

·         Selection of a housing association and/or contractor partner which includes involvement of the Homes and Communities Agency

A full appraisal of any capital and revenue financial implications arising from the proposals