Decision details

Cabinet:-

(1)       approved the disposal of the land at Thellusson Avenue, Scawsby to JJHT for the delivery of new older people’s affordable housing; and

(2)       approved the disposal on a 125 year lease at a peppercorn rent.

Cabinet received a report which sought the approval to dispose of land at Thelluson Avenue, Scawsby (former Don View residential care home) for the development of new affordable housing, designed specifically for older people aged 50yrs plus.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Glyn Jones, reported that the underpinning policy objective of the Council’s Housing Strategy was the provision of good quality affordable housing for all sections of the community, including older people. He stated that the existing evidence base for Doncaster showed that there would be long term growth of the population of older people, and forecasts an increased demand for appropriate housing.

Councillor Jones commented that the proposal within the report will not only deliver 36 new affordable homes, designed specifically for older people, it will also offer increased housing choice for our residents, along with an injection of £3.91m investment into the Borough.

Members were advised that if there was to be little take up for shared ownership, the provision for rented units would be built into the scheme. The Mayor and Cabinet sought assurance that careful consideration would be taken when the Council is looking to reduce the size of some units. It was reported that the scheme was still in its infancy and further work was required in relation to the design of the units. Following the consultation process with Members, it was envisaged that it would be 6 months before the number of 1 and 2 bedroom units would be known.

In conclusion, the Mayor and Cabinet welcomed the report and were pleased that the Council was providing much needed affordable homes for elderly residents within the Borough, along with the £3.91m investment.  

Option 2 – Sell the site for receipt

If the Council was to sell the site, with a view to using the capital receipt to fund additional new homes, the value would only facilitate approx. 3-4 units (typically c£100k per unit). Furthermore, if the site was sold to a private developer, the Council could not guarantee that affordable units, designed specifically for older people, of which there is a need for both within this locality, would be built.

Option 3 – Do Nothing

If it is decided not to transfer the site to JJHT, then it would remain within the Corporate Asset Disposal Programme, and options for its future use/or alternative disposal routes will be determined via the Assets Board.