Decision details

The Housing Growth and Regeneration team have agreed with Thirteen Group to extend the option agreement dates on 2 sites (Main Avenue and Highmoor Lane) which are parcelled in the RP Clusters Programme. The extension is required due to delays faced to the programme and to allow for contingency period.

There is a risk that if the expiry dates of the Option agreements are not extended, Thirteen Group will not be in a position to exercise the option before their expiry and therefore being unable to proceed with their purchase and development of the sites.

For Main Avenue and Highmoor Lane the below extensions have been agreed, whilst further discussions are being had regarding Mayman Lane

Cabinet decision from July 2022 which delegated authority to the Strategic Director (Growth and Regeneration) to negotiate and agree the terms of disposal with Thirteen Group

(Registered Providers Cluster Programme Cabinet I FINAL SENT TO GOVERNANCE.pdf)

Decision to allow Thirteen Group a period of contingency by extending the expiry dates of the Option agreements in the event that any delays are encountered gaining Planning Permission, agreeing valuations and disposal terms agreed by relevant boards, which are all necessary for Thirteen to exercise the Option agreements.

This decision is in the best interests to support the decision which was made at Cabinet to dispose the RP clusters sites to Thirteen Group to bring forward high quality, affordable and sustainable homes on five sites across the district. The Council’s preferred partner is Thirteen Group, who are a strategic partner of Homes England, as part of Home’s England’s programme which supports registered providers (housing associations) to deliver more affordable homes. Thirteen Group were appointed by the Council following a competitive land sale exercise.