The Executive Director (Development) has submitted a report to Cabinet on 13 March 2024 which seeks approval to appropriate a parcel of land (change the statutory basis on which it is held by the Council from one function to another) at Railway Lane from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account in order that the land can be used for the development of new council housing, and to update Cabinet on certain aspects of the development.

The Cabinet minutes are available at Item 9b.

Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing, will present the report and present Cabinet’s recommendations.

Recommendation:  Cabinet recommends that Council resolves to:

1.    Agree the appropriation of the land owned by Oxford City Council that forms part of the development site for housing at Railway Lane from the General Fund (GF) into the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) at the established red book valuation figure.

Council considered a report from the Executive Director (Development) seeking approval to appropriate a parcel of land (change the statutory basis on which it is held by the Council from one function to another) at Railway Lane from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account in order that the land can be used for the development of new council housing, and to update Cabinet on certain aspects of the development.

Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing introduced the report, proposed the recommendation and answered questions.

The recommendation was agreed on being seconded by Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy and Partnerships, and put to the vote.

Council resolved to:

1. Agree the appropriation of the land owned by Oxford City Council that forms part of the development site for housing at Railway Lane from the General Fund (GF) into the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) at the established red book valuation figure.

The Executive Director (Development) has submitted a report to (i) seek approval to appropriate a parcel of land (change the statutory basis on which it is held by the Council from one function to another) at Railway Lane from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account in order that the land can be used for the development of new council housing; and (ii) update Cabinet on certain aspects of the development.

Cabinet is recommended to:

1.       Recommend to Council the appropriation of the land owned by Oxford City Council that forms part of the development site for housing at Railway Lane from the General Fund (GF) into the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) at the established red book valuation figure.

The Executive Director (Development) had submitted a report to (i) seek approval to appropriate a parcel of land (change the statutory basis on which it is held by the Council from one function to another) at Railway Lane from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account in order that the land could be used for the development of new council housing; and (ii) update Cabinet on certain aspects of the development.

Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing, highlighted that the development would provide 100% affordable housing.  90 new affordable homes would be delivered, with 47 for social rent and 43 for shared ownership.

Cabinet heard that whilst the parcel of land comprised only a small area of the proposed development, its incorporation would allow for a better scheme with an increased amount of housing.

Cabinet resolved to:

1.       Recommend to Council the appropriation of the land owned by Oxford City Council that forms part of the development site for housing at Railway Lane from the General Fund (GF) into the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) at the established red book valuation figure.