Decision details

This study will update the Strategic Housing Market Assessment carried out in 2008 and published in 2009. The study will provide an updated assessment of borough housing needs (including market and affordable) to inform (a) the local plan process and (b) current council policies regarding affordable housing used to negotiate legal agreements [‘Section 106’] on affordable housing contributions as part of mixed tenure housing developments.

Further to Minute No. 46 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 15 January 2015, the Council considered the report of the Director of Built Environment setting out the key findings of the 2014 Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) for Sefton, which was one of a number of key evidence gathering studies that had been commissioned to inform the Local Plan and the Council’s Housing Strategy.

It was moved by Councillor P. Dowd, seconded by Councillor Maher:

“That the 2014 Strategic Housing Market Assessment for Sefton be approved.”

During the debate, the following issues were raised by Members of the Council:

·         that the population projections in the SHMA produced by consultants were not credible, but other Members indicated that the findings of the SHMA were based on Government statistics, which were fully taken account of in the study by independent consultants and would be examined by the independent Government Inspector;

·         The Keppie Massie Viability Study indicates that it would be difficult to achieve the 30% affordable housing targets on new developments and a comment was made that the Local Plan should stipulate that the targets must be met;

·         that the estimated level of affordable housing need per annum in Figure 7.11 of the 2014 SHMA, as set out in the report would not be met across the Borough; and

·         The SHMA states that the shortfall between need and supply can be met by the private rented sector but concern raised about how and when this would be achieved.

Following the debate and on a show of hands, the Mayor declared that the Motion was carried by 38 votes to 19 and it was

RESOLVED:

That the 2014 Strategic Housing Market Assessment for Sefton be approved.