April 16, 2019 10.06 am This story is over 67 months old

Cranwell council homes plan to be approved

The councils policy seeks to identify sites where council houses can be built
North Kesteven District Council HQ in Sleaford.

Plans to buy land at RAF Cranwell and build 29 new council homes are set to be discussed next week.

North Kesteven District Council’s Full Council will discuss the potential development, including budgets and contracts during a private session on Thursday.

The recommendations come from the council’s executive and also call on the council to waive contract procedures and delegate approval of procurement to the Chief Executive.

It is understood the purchase relates to plans by Mantle Developments, which were approved in June 2017, after original plans for 45 homes on the site were refused the previous year.

In public documents, Council leader Richard Wright says: “The NK Plan identifies the need to increase the delivery of affordable homes in communities within the district.

“The proposed scheme will add a welcomed 29 new affordable council homes in the Cranwell area.

Indicative plans for the 29-home development off Sycamore Drive Cranwell, approved in June 2017.

“Suitable open space is a key part of good housing design. The proposal contains an accessible area of open space as per the planning permission for the site.

“The development will also provide new pedestrian route opportunities to the local school.”

Also speaking in support is Ashby De La Launde and Cranwell Independent councillor Steve Clegg, however he asks councillors to take on board residents’ concerns regarding open space provision, parking and access to Cranwell Primary School.

The plans form part of the council’s “Our Homes” priority, which seeks to identify sites.

Documents before the authority say the site already benefits from planning approval and has “lower risks” than acquiring the land and developing it “another way”.

Michael Gadd, Head of Housing and Property Services, said: “The council is committed to providing affordable housing in the District and will continue to look for opportunities to deliver this, including in Cranwell if this project is progressed.”

Budget for the build will come from the council’s unallocated New Build budget in the Housing Revenue Allowance Capital Programme for 2019/20.

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