Issue - meetings

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Built Environment approval to dispose of the Orrell School Phase 3 site to Riverside Housing for the construction of new housing for affordable rent.

Decision Made:

That approval be given to the disposal of the Orrell School Phase 3 site to Riverside Housing on the terms and for the reasons outlined in Appendix I of the report for the construction of 12no. 1 bedroom 2 person flats and 6no. 2 bedroom 4 person houses for affordable rent.

Reasons for Decision:

The site had been acquired as part of the former Housing Market Renewal programme by agreement and under Compulsory Purchase powers for residential development. The scheme was the final phase of planned residential development on the site.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The site was Compulsory Purchased by the Council in order to redevelop with new housing. There are no viable alternative options other than to leave the site undeveloped which would be contrary to the express purpose of the CPO and aims of the Housing Market Renewal Programme.

As an area currently undergoing significant regeneration the low value of residential accommodation in the area, and increased development costs limits the value of the land to the point where a market led scheme would likely be unviable.