Agenda item

Eugene Prinsloo, Developments Director, Community Health Partnerships Ltd

The Chairman invited to the table:

• Eugene Prinsloo, Developments Director, Community Health Partnerships

Mr Prinsloo reported that CHP’s Property Committee had approved an option to provide key worker housing for the site and a budget had been identified.  The pre-advice stage would take place at the end of March, with the feedback being reviewed ready for an outline Planning Application to be submitted in September 2020.

The Chairman asked why the process would take so long to get to the application stage, following community consultation. Mr Prinsloo responded that there could be a delay due to the summer holiday period but, if time allowed, the Application could be submitted sooner.

The Chairman asked how quickly the project would be delivered if the plans were agreed. Mr Prinsloo responded that this would depend on how it is delivered.  The work to inform delivery options, including a joint venture, was being done at the same time as the Planning Application.

A Member asked whether the site had been identified and what the framework is for working with Ward Councillors. Mr Prinsloo responded that the site was on the corner of Bow Lane and Granville Road. A capacity study would take place to see what number of units the site could hold and the impact on parking was also being considered. These plans would be discussed with Ward Councillors.

A Member asked about the oak tree on the corner of the site. Mr Prinsloo noted that a tree has a Tree Preservation Order and the plans would work around this. CHP felt landscaping was an important part of the plans for the site.

Cllr Cooke noted that Ward Councillors should have had information on this site six months previously and he had tried to find out what was happening. He had also listed about 8 questions about the site. This was disappointing as local residents were concerned and interested. He asked when CHP would forward more information.

Mr Prinsloo apologised about the lack of responses. CHP had been working on putting a team together since September 2019. He hoped that there would be some clarity in the next 2-3 weeks when he would discuss the queries with Cllr Cooke. He agreed to arrange a meeting with Ward Councillors (scheduled for 19^th March).

A Member noted that it was important to make the case strongly so that key worker housing is assured. She asked what form the consultation and pre-application process would take. For example, were there other Trusts with experience of providing such key worker housing that CHP could learn from?

Mr Prinsloo responded that key worker accommodation is an NHS priority. The STP was supporting a piece of work on data collection on key worker housing including relevant salary levels. This should be available around the end of March. CHP was also looking into a fall-back option. If the demand is not there for NHS key worker accommodation, the land would be considered for other key worker uses.

A Member noted that she was keen to understand the metrics being used. There should be plenty of data around this and it would be valuable to have an update.

The Chairman summarised:

• Before the end of February the three Ward Councillors would be consulted
• Mr Prinsloo would return to HOSC in September with a further update

Clarification was needed on the key worker units and whether these were for rent or sale. Mr Prinsloo stated that they were likely to be rental properties for people two to three years post qualification. CHP would retain ownership but, if the project went ahead as a joint venture, ownership would need to be discussed.

The Chairman asked whether it would be available to non-NHS key workers. Mr Prinsloo stated that the definition of ‘key worker’ needed to be agreed but this was likely if NHS key worker demand didn’t materialise.

A Member asked whether the Right to Buy Scheme would apply to the key worker housing. Mr Prinsloo said that this is unlikely but he would need to check. 

The Committee RESOLVED to note the update.