This report of the Head of Housing and Regeneration and the Major Projects Manager seeks approval to the purchase of the affordable (social rented) housing from Barton Oxford LLP that is to be developed as part of the Barton Development.  It also seeks approval to enter into related Management of Homes, and Allocations and Lettings Agreements with Barton Oxford LLP as part of the overall transaction.

The report RECOMMENDS the Board to:-

(1)               Note the contents of the Report and progress in discussions with Barton Oxford LLP;

(2)               Grant delegated authority to the Executive Director, City Regeneration and Housing in consultation with the Head of Finance to authorise the Council’s entry into required legal documentation with Barton Oxford LLP to give effect to this matter, the terms to be consistent with the contents of the Not For Publication Appendix in relation to:-

(a)               Approval to enter into an Agreement to purchase the affordable housing (354 units approximately) noting the intention that the Agreement be novated to the successful / nominated house builders for each phase of development;

(b)               The entering into a Management of Homes Agreement;

(c)               The entering into an Allocations and Lettings Agreement;

(3)               Note that in order to maintain flexibility going forward the Council may, at its discretion at a point in the future, procure a partner (such as a Registered provider) for up to 25% of the total affordable units;

(4)               Note that Officers will present update and monitoring reports on a regular basis to both the Corporate Asset and Capital Board and the City Executive Board as the project progresses.

The Head of Housing and the Major Projects Service Manager submitted a report (previously circulated, now appended).

Resolved, having regard to the not for publication appendix to the report, to:-

(1)               Note the contents of the Report and progress in discussions with Barton Oxford LLP;

(2)               Grant delegated authority to the Executive Director, City Regeneration and Housing in consultation with the Head of Finance to authorise the Council’s entry into required legal documentation with Barton Oxford LLP to give effect to this matter, the terms to be consistent with the contents of the Not For Publication Appendix in relation to:-

(a)               Approval to enter into an Agreement to purchase the affordable housing (354 units approximately) noting the intention that the Agreement be novated to the successful / nominated house builders for each phase of development;

(b)               The entering into a Management of Homes Agreement;

(c)               The entering into an Allocations and Lettings Agreement;

(3)               Note that in order to maintain flexibility going forward the Council may, at its discretion at a point in the future, procure a partner (such as a Registered provider) for up to 25% of the total affordable units;

(4)               Note that Officers will present update and monitoring reports on a regular basis to both the Corporate Asset and Capital Board and the City Executive Board as the project progresses.

This paper is a not for publication appendix to the report at agenda item 11.  It contains the draft principal heads of terms for the Barton development.  The public interest in maintaining the exemption from publication is in order not to compromise commercially sensitive information.

The Head of Housing and the Major Projects Service Manager submitted an appendix (previously circulated, now appended) to the report at agenda item 10 (minute xx refers).

Resolved to have regard to the appendix in reaching decisions on the report at agenda item 10.

The Head of Finance has submitted a report on behalf of the Council’s Internal Auditors, Pricewaterhousecoopers (PWC) which provides details of a review of the procurement process followed.

The Committee is asked to comment on and note the report.

The Head of Finance submitted a report previously circulated, now appended) on behalf of the Councils internal auditors, Pricewaterhousecoopers (PWC), following a review of the Value for Money aspects of both the contract and procurement process.

Christopher Dickens from PWC introduced the report.

Councillor Simmons had concerns on how the land had been valued.  Was the existing use value (EUV) the best way to value the land instead of using market value.

In response Steve Sprason, Head of Corporate Assets said that EUV was the correct choice.  The Council was not looking purely at land disposal as there would be a significant cost in providing the infrastructure required.  He said that the Council would receive a significant return through the infrastructure and any profits through the LLP.  He further added that by choosing EUV gave a greater certainty that the homes would be built.

In response to further comments from Members, Steve Sprason said that the EUV also gave S123 Certification and that the Council would receive profits from the LLP.

Councillor Brett said that the primary driver was to provide housing and not to receive a capital receipt.  He felt that this was an innovative approach.

Nigel Kennedy, Head of Finance said that the Council would receive quarterly management information and the project would be reflected in the Council’s accounts.

Councillor Rundle felt that the percentage of social and private housing on the site was very important and as such the Audit and Governance Committee should monitor this and the LLP.  Councillor Simmons added that the Committee also needed to monitor the value that came back to the Council.

Steve Sprason said that a full investment plan had been submitted by the LLP which included a revised projection of profits.

The Committee agreed:

(a)       To thank Steve Sprason, Head of Corporate Assets for attending the meeting and answering questions;

(b)       To continue to monitor the development to ensure that best value is obtained;

(c)        To ensure that the good practices identified in the report were used in future developments.

This item was dealt with on Monday 17^th December 2012.

The Head of City Development has submitted a report which seeks approval of the Barton Area action Plan.

Council is asked:

(1)       To note the conclusions and recommendations of the Inspector’s Report on the examination into the Barton Area Action Plan (AAP);

(2)       To adopt the Barton AAP as part of Oxford’s Local Plan;

(3)       To endorse the AAP’s associated documents as part of the AAP adoption (including the Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment Adoption Statement and Equalities Impact Assessment).

The Head of City Development submitted a report (previously circulated, now appended) which sought approval of the Barton Area Action Plan (AAP).

Councillor Cook moved the report.

Councillors debated the report and Councillor Haines raised particular concerns of residents in the Marston area over flooding, sewerage issues and traffic.  He felt that before any development went ahead it was important that the infrastructure was safety put in place first.

Council following a debate agreed:

(1)       To note the conclusions and recommendations of the Inspector’s Report on the examination into the Barton Area Action Plan (AAP);

(2)       To adopt the Barton AAP as part of Oxford’s Local Plan;

(3)       To endorse the AAP’s associated documents as part of the AAP adoption (including the Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment Adoption Statement and Equalities Impact Assessment).

The Head of City Development has submitted a report which seeks Council’s endorsement of the Main Modifications to the Barton Area Action Plan and the Addendum to both the Sustainability Appraisals for the Barton Area Action Plan and the Sites and Housing Plan.  As a consequence of the revised Sustainability Appraisal, for the City Council to confirm its policy approach in relation to the allocation of Land at Ruskin College.

Council is asked to:

(1)       To endorse the Main Modifications to the Barton Area Action Plan as part of the approved plan

(2)       To endorse the Barton Area Action Plan (as amended by the Main Modifications) as a material consideration in determining planning applications

(3)       To endorse the Addendum to the Sustainability Appraisal for the Barton Area Action Plan

(4)       To endorse the Addendum to the Sustainability Appraisal for the Sites and Housing Plan

(5)       To confirm the approach taken to the Ruskin College proposals as agreed at Council on 19^th December 2011, in relation to the Barton AAP and Sites and Housing Plan.

The Head of City Development submitted a report which sought Council’s endorsement of the main modifications to the Barton Area Action Plan and the addendum to both the Sustainability Appraisals for the Barton Area Action Plan and the Sites and Housing Plan.  As a consequence of the revised Sustainability Appraisal, for the City Council to confirm its policy approach in relation to the allocation of land at Ruskin College.

The Head of City Development also presented to Council for information a Statement of Common ground between the City Council and the Oxfordshire County Council concerning the wording of policies BA1 and BA7. (Details appended to these minutes)

Councillor Colin Cook moved the report seconded by Councillor Bob Price.

Councillor Jean Fooks moved the following amendment which was accepted by Councillor Colin Cook.

“In Policy BA1, Transforming the ring-road, delete the last eight words in the paragraph on landscaping, so that it would read:

The Landscaping of the central reservation may be reviewed.

Following a debate, Council agreed:

(a)       To endorse the Main Modification to the Barton Area Action Plan as part of the approved plan subject to the inclusion of the further amendment from Councillor Jean Fooks;

(b)       To endorse the Barton Area Action Plan (as amended by the Main Modifications) as a material consideration in determining planning applications;

(c)        To endorse the addendum to the Sustainability Appraisal for the Barton Area Action Plan;

(d)       To endorse the addendum to the Sustainability Appraisal for the Sites and Housing Plan;

(e)       To confirm the approach taken to the Ruskin College proposals as agreed at Council on 19^th December 2011, in relation to the Barton Area Action Plan and Sites and Housing Plan;

(f)         To note and endorse the Statement of Common Ground between the City Council and the Oxfordshire County Council concerning Policies BA1 and BA7.

The Head of City Development has submitted a report.  Following consultation on the Preferred Options for the Barton Area Action Plan (AAP) in the summer of 2011, draft planning policies have been prepared to guide development of the land at Barton. The policies are set out in the Proposed Submission Barton AAP.  This report seeks approval of Council to publish the Proposed Submission Barton AAP for public consultation early in 2012 and, subject to the outcome of the consultation, submit the draft AAP to the Secretary of State for formal examination.

Council is asked:

(1)       To approve the Proposed Submission Barton AAP and the proposed changes to the Oxford Proposals Map for public consultation for a period of 6 weeks in early 2012, subject to the satisfactory completion of the current transport and drainage modelling studies;

(2)       To approve the supporting documentation listed in Annex 2, ie. Sustainability Appraisal, Habitats Regulation Assessment, Equalities Impact Assessment and Pre-Options and Preferred Options consultation reports;

(3)       To authorise the Head of City Development, in consultation with the Executive Lead Member, to make any necessary editorial corrections to the document, Sustainability Appraisal and Habitat Regulations Assessment, and to agree the final wording and designed version before publication for public consultation;

(4)       To approve the Proposed Submission Barton AAP as a material consideration in determining planning applications;

(5)       That following public consultation, authorise the Head of City Development, in consultation with the Executive Lead Member, to make any minor changes to the document deemed necessary as a result of public consultation, and then to formally submit the Barton AAP to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for public examination.

The Head of City Development submitted a report (previously circulated, now appended) which following consultation on the Preferred Options for the Barton Area Action Plan (AAP) in the summer of 2011, draft planning policies had been prepared to guide development of the land at Barton.  The policies were set out in the Proposed Submission Barton AAP and this report sought approval of Council to publish the Proposed Submission Barton AAP for public consultation early in 2012 and subject to the outcome the consultation, to submit the draft AAP to the Secretary of State for formal examination.

Councillor Cook moved the report.

Councillor Rundle seconded by Councillor Altaf-Khan moved amendments as follows:

(1)       Under BA1 – In the first sentence, end first paragraph at ‘traffic speeds’ and delete the whole of the second and third paragraphs.

(2)       Under BA6 – In the first paragraph, delete the whole of the second sentence and in the second paragraph delete the word ‘private’

(3)       Under BA6 add a new fourth paragraph with the following words ‘it is inevitable that there will be some increase in traffic from the present entrance to Barton from the Green Road roundabout and measures will be investigated to improve access into Barton at that roundabout’

(4)       Under BA9 – after the second sentence add the words ‘within the limits set by the financial viability of the project, all efforts will be made to provide affordable housing above that minimum level’.

Councillor Rowley seconded by Councillor Cook moved an amendment to Councillor Rundle’s third amendment as follows:

To add a fourth paragraph with the following words ‘'Measures will be investigated to improve access to and from Barton via the Headington Roundabout'

Following a debate, Council voted and Councillor Rundle’s first, second, third and fourth amendments were not adopted, but Councillor Rowley’s amendment was.

Council resolved:

(a)       To approve, subject to the additional amendment by councillor Rowley to Policy BA6, the Proposed Submission Barton AAP and the proposed changes to the Oxford Proposals May for public consultation for a period for 6 weeks in early 2012, subject to the satisfactory completion of the current transport and drainage modelling studies;

(b)       To approve the supporting documentation listed in Annex 2, i.e. Sustainability Appraisal, Habitats Regulation Assessment, Equalities Impact Assessment and Pre-Options and Preferred Options consultation reports;

(c)        To authorise the Head of City Development, in consultation with the Executive Lead Member, to make any necessary editorial corrections to the document, Sustainability Appraisal and Habitat Regulations Assessment and to agree the final wording and designed version before publication for public consultation;

(d)       To approve the Proposed Submission Barton AAP as a material consideration in determining planning applications;

(e)       That following public consultation, to authorise the Head of City Development, in consultation with the Executive Lead Member, to make any minor changes to the document deemed necessary as a result of public consultation, and then to formally submit the Barton AAP to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for public  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69

Report of: Head of Corporate Assets

Lead Member: Councillor Turner

To advise Members of the outcome of the detailed tendering exercise undertaken for the procurement of a co-investment partner, and to seek approval and confirm the preferred bidder with a view to the Council entering into a Joint Venture vehicle, as detailed in the Report, with that preferred bidder.

The Head of Corporate Assets submitted a report (previously circulated, now appended) advising the Board of the outcome of the detailed tendering exercise undertaken for the procurement of a co-investment partner, as well as seeking approval and confirmation of the preferred bidder with a view to the Council entering into a Joint Venture vehicle, as detailed in the report, with that preferred bidder.

Resolved to:-

(1)   Note the contents of the report, particularly the structure, detail and process of evaluation that had been undertaken;

(2)   Note the outcome and conclusions of the value-for-money comparator work undertaken;

(3)   Approve the selection of Grosvenor Developments Ltd (‘Grosvenor’) as the preferred private sector co-investment partner;

(4)   Grant delegated authority to the Executive Director, Regeneration and Housing to authorise the Council’s entry into a limited liability joint venture partnership (“LLP”) with Grosvenor, the principles of the LLP to be consistent with the provisions of the Heads of Terms attached to the report in the Not for Publication appendix;

(5)   Agree that upon establishment of the Joint Venture to authorise the transfer of the Council’s freehold interest in the site to the LLP on the terms as set out in the report, and the Not for Publication Appendix, and otherwise on detailed terms and conditions to be approved by the Head of Corporate Assets;

(6)   Confirm the appointment of the Chief Executive, the Executive Director Regeneration and Housing and the Corporate Director Finance and Efficiency as the Council’s three representatives on the Board of the Joint Venture;

(7)   Confirm the appointment of an appropriate number of officers of the Council to serve as members of the Executive Project Group of the LLP, to be appointed by the Executive Director Regeneration and Housing;

(8)   Agree the placing of any voluntary notice in regard to the procurement exercise as is considered appropriate to give adequate notice of the Council’s selection of its co-investment partner; and

(9)   Agree that St Modwen will be held as the preferred under-bidder, subject to a further report back to the Board before any action is taken in this respect.