Agenda and draft minutes

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 28 June 2022

The notes of the meeting held on 28 June 2022 were received.

To receive a presentation from the Head of Housing & Community Services

The Head of Housing & Community Services delivered a presentation on proposals to develop the car-park area off London Road and adjacent to the Methodist Church for residential units.  The original scheme proposed 9 units, but a further design development has increased potential capacity to 11 2-bed units, yielding an enhanced rental income and capital value. 

Plans include parking provision and some green spaces within the area.  The additional capacity will be achieved by a 2-3 storey development.

The business case needs to be finalised for approval by Cabinet on 24 November, after which a planning application will be submitted and a price agreed with the contractor.  On sign-off of the Project the land will be transferred to Horsham District Homes (Holdings).

The first residents are expected to take possession by Autumn 2024.

The meeting discussed further options, including the trade-off between retaining trees and green space and using this to provide further homes.  This would however introduce a delay and costs related to a reassessment and the meeting agreed that, given that the need for housing was imperative, the recommended 11-unit option should be progressed.

To receive an update from the Head of Housing & Community Services on the opening of Roffey Place

The meeting received an update on progress towards opening Roffey Place as accommodation for homeless people in the District.  The facility is being developed on a modular basis with phased opening planned:

-       From 12 December, accommodating 14 residents,

-       From 9 January – 11 residents,

-       From late January – 17 residents

-       Concurrently – 6 residents in the Gatehouse

HDC is working closely with Turning Tides on this project and an announcement is expected at the 14 December Council meeting, with PR to be issues.  It was agreed that this should become a standing update for future PDAGs.

To note the Forward Plan extract for the Housing and Public Protection Portfolio

The Cabinet Forward Plan was noted and includes the Horsham District Homes discussed on this agenda.

A number of items were raised as AOB:

-       The current levels of people and families housed in Bed & Breakfast and temporary accommodation facilities was clarified.  Currently 47 and 97 respectively.  Agreed that this should be a regular report to future meetings.

-       Concern was expressed about the quality of police response to a report attack on a resident and the associated e-mail will be sent to the Head of Housing & Community Services for consideration

-       An update on empty homes was requested and agreed for the next meeting.