Decision
Analysis
outcome: The Cabinet approved the draft Housing Development Strategy for formal adoption.
summary: The decision at stake is the approval of the draft Housing Development Strategy for formal adoption in Rother.
topline: The Cabinet has decided to approve the draft Housing Development Strategy for formal adoption in Rother.
reason_contentious: This issue is not particularly contentious as it received support from the Cabinet and was well-received by stakeholders.
affected_stakeholders: ["Cabinet members", "Local development sector", "Communities", "Housing developers", "Consultants", "Members of the HDST&FG"]
contentiousness_score: 2
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://rother.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1817
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose: To inform the Overview and Scrutiny Committee of the work of the task and finish group and demonstrate that is has successfully carried out its function as required under minute OSC 23/22
Content: Cabinet received and considered Minute OSC25/08 arising from the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) held on 2 June 2025 that had considered the recommendations of the Housing Development Strategy Task and Finish Group (HDST&FG). The OSC had recommended that the draft Housing Development Strategy (HDS) be approved for formal adoption. The HDS was established around three themes, namely: a thriving local development sector; supporting our communities; and an active role in the development of new homes, with several objectives beneath each theme to deliver the HDS. It was noted that additional resources would need to be allocated to housing development for Rother to increase the number of homes it built. A full and thorough public consultation had been undertaken, with comments noted and incorporated within the HDS, where appropriate. Cabinet was supportive of the draft HDS; it was well written, easy to read and set the framework to increase the supply of housing in the district. Tribute was paid to all officers, the consultants (Altair) and Members of the HDST&FG (including former Councillor Chas Pearce) for their work in producing the draft HDS. It was pleasing to note that last week’s Spending Review announced by the Government had allocated over £39b, over 10 years, towards the affordable housing programme (70% increase). RECOMMENDED: That the draft Housing Development Strategy at Appendix E to the report be formally approved. (Councillor Coupar declared an Other Registerable Interest as a Council Appointed Director of Rother DC Housing Company Ltd, and in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct remained in the meeting for the consideration thereof.) (Councillor McCourt declared an Other Registerable Interest as a Board Member of Bexhill Community Land Trust and in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct remained in the meeting for the consideration thereof.)
Date of Decision: June 16, 2025