The Deputy Chief Executive, Place decides as follows:

1.    To dispose of the properties known as land at Balfour Road, Oxford and Pegasus Road, Oxford to Oxfordshire Community Land Trust by long lease for a term of 250 years for a premium of £65,000 (Balfour Road) and £50,000 (Pegasus Road) for use for Affordable Housing on the sites.

2.    Prior to the grant of the leases to enter into an agreement for lease conditional upon Oxfordshire Community Land Trust obtaining planning permission for development of residential units on the sites.

The decision is made to enable the delivery of genuinely affordable and social rented homes on two Council-owned sites in Oxford, in line with the Council’s strategic priority to increase affordable housing supply and support community-led housing initiatives. Granting 250-year leases to OCLT will secure long-term affordability, while ensuring the sites are developed and managed by an organisation with a strong local focus and proven track record. The proposed disposal represents an effective use of Council land, delivering both a financial receipt and significant social and community benefits. Appropriate legal safeguards will be included to mitigate risks and ensure timely delivery in accordance with agreed housing objectives, making this a robust and policy-aligned approach to meeting local housing need.

Do nothing (retain the sites in Council ownership): this option is not recommended as it would result in the sites remaining underutilised and would not contribute towards the delivery of much-needed affordable housing. It would also fail to support the Council’s strategic priorities around housing delivery and community-led development. Dispose of the sites on the open market: this is not recommended as disposal on the open market would reduce the Council’s ability to secure long-term affordability and community benefit outcomes aligned with its housing objectives.

Develop the sites directly through the HRA or via OX Place could deliver affordable housing: it was not preferred in this instance due to resource constraints, competing delivery priorities, and the opportunity to support a locally established community-led housing provider. Partnering with OCLT enables diversification of delivery models and supports community stewardship.

Dispose of the sites to an alternative Registered Provider or developer: this was considered but not recommended as OCLT brings a specific community-led approach, with a strong focus on long-term affordability and local engagement. The proposal aligns closely with the Council’s objectives to support community-led housing and deliver sustainable neighbourhoods.