There were no apologies for absence received.

There were no declarations of interest made.

The minutes of the meeting held on 25 March 2019 were approved as a correct record.

The Director of Environment and Regeneration updated the meeting on progress to date.  A meeting of the company and shareholders would be taking place to discuss further financial modelling as the architects had identified changes to the design which would increase provision, but this would also increase build costs and therefore the company needed to ensure that it was getting a satisfactory return for those increase costs in the form of increased rental income.  Subject to this financial modelling taking place and appropriate sign off, the planning applications would be submitted in October.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance thanked the officers for their work and welcomed the amount of engagement which had taken place and recognised the concern in the community around the amount of affordable housing available.  The Council was committed to further community engagement.

The Assistant Director of Sustainable Communities advised that officers would continue to work with residents on the proposed design and meet with them to discuss any concerns.  All the developments would be subject to the usual planning controls.

The Chair welcomed the report and noted that the company was operating within it’s budget.

RESOLVED:

1.        That the progress of Merantun Development Limited (MDL) for the delivery of their new build housing programme be noted.

2.        That the progress on the community engagement, design and planning of the four sites be noted.

3.        That the year to date expenditure incurred by the Company be noted.