Agenda item

To consider the content of the Council’s Forward Plan, March 2018 - July 2018, relating to the portfolios of the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader of the Council.

The Committee considered the items contained within the Forward Plan, March 2018 - July 2018, relating to the portfolios of the Cabinet Members whose responsibilities fell within the remit of the Committee.

Members referred to the forthcoming decision EX/1/2018 ‘Town Centre Investment’ and enquired whether progress was being made with using the former British Home Stores site in Blackpool Town Centre.  Councillor Mark Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Enterprise and Economic Development confirmed that opportunities were being considered and that the site was in development but this took time and was commercially sensitive. Mr Alan Cavill, Director of Place added that a committed developer was in place who was working on removing asbestos in preparation for new tenants.

Members referred to the forthcoming decision EX/6/2018 ‘Central Leisure Quarter’ and enquired whether progress was being made. Councillor Smith reported that progress was on track. He added that when he had comprehensive information to report he would do so.

Members referred to the forthcoming decisions EX/3/2018 ‘Strategic Acquisitions in or adjoining the [Airport] Enterprise Zone’ and EX/7/2018 ‘Blackpool Airport Business Plan’. They enquired whether the establishment of two boards was on track.

Councillor Smith explained that consideration was being given to having an operating company and a land holding company both wholly owned by the Council. There would be a board for each company and independent directors would be appointed and nominees of the Council’s political groups would be other directors.

Members referred to the Airport Masterplan and the impact of consultation responses (mainly planning issues such as traffic impact on housing) which had led to some amendments to the Masterplan and queried whether that reduced potential growth. Members also enquired if there could be opportunity for an operational airport making use of the runway offering commercial flights, given that many regional airports across the country were operating successfully. Councillor Smith confirmed that there had been some minor amendments made to the Masterplan. He reported that a tender exercise was underway to appoint consultants with aviation expertise to identify the most viable options for maximising the airport’s potential. Mr Cavill explained that the Masterplan had ‘blocks’ of development and a planning concern voiced by residents was ensuring acceptable space between developments and residential properties. He added that a short (‘cross’) runway would be considered by business planners.

Members referred to the forthcoming decision EX/8/2018 ‘Social Housing Allocations Policy’ and noted that social housing waiting lists were increasing. They added that there were good numbers of two-bedroom residential properties but insufficient supply of larger sized accommodation suitable for families. Members also suggested that building more good quality sheltered accommodation for older people to move into could free up space in larger properties suitable for younger families.

Mr Andy Foot, Head of Housing explained that the choice-based lettings system allowed existing and prospective tenants to apply for properties which they were interested in. Allocations were made by priority-banding applicants. He reported that average waiting times for properties are typically six to twelve months for applicants who are housed, depending on property type. There is high demand against a limited supply of socially rented properties (7,000 units which formed about 10% of the total social housing and private sector stock in Blackpool).

The Council and housing development partners sought to increase supply (quantity and quality). However, there were times when wider regeneration needs reduced the supply, e.g. Queens Park had required the demolition of unsuitable high-rise flats to create better quality mixed accommodations but overall numbers had reduced. The Council did aim to increase the supply of larger homes suitable for families and it was expected that Blackpool Housing Company would have developed two hundred new high quality private rented units by the end of March 2018.  Consultation had also taken place at Grange Park to demolish some buildings and pursue opportunities for around 200 new homes.

Councillor Christine Wright, Cabinet Member for Housing agreed with building more good quality sheltered accommodation for older people but added that social housing providers did need to consider the cost and viability of social housing developments noting that bungalows could be costly. Mr Foot added that there would be an opportunity later in the year when the Council’s Local Plan (Part 2) for strategic development was reviewed and the needs of an ageing population could be considered. 

Members enquired if social housing providers or the Council gave references to good tenants should they need one if they were moving to a new property. It was thought that Blackpool Coastal Housing would probably provide references.