Decision

The Cabinet has decided to seek approval for an increased scheme budget to develop affordable housing at Breezehurst Drive Phase 2 in Crawley.

Analysis

outcome: The Cabinet approved Option 3 for the development and delegated authority to enter into a contract for construction.

summary: The decision is to seek approval for an increased scheme budget for the development of affordable housing at Breezehurst Drive Phase 2 in Crawley.

topline: The Cabinet has decided to seek approval for an increased scheme budget to develop affordable housing at Breezehurst Drive Phase 2 in Crawley.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves the development of housing on playing fields, which could be a concern for local stakeholders.

affected_stakeholders: ["Council", "Residents of Crawley", "Building contractor"]

contentiousness_score: 6

political_party_relevance: There are no explicit mentions of political parties in the decision.

URL: https://democracy.crawley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=781

Decision Maker: Cabinet, Full Council

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To seek approval of an increased scheme budget for the development of the Breezehurst Drive Phase 2 (also known as Breezehurst playing fields), Bewbush, Crawley, creating eighty-five (85) number of dwellings, as part of the Council’s own build housing programme. To seek approval – by way of delegated authority – to enter into a contract for the construction of said dwellings.  

Content: To seek approval of an increased scheme budget for the development of the Breezehurst Drive Phase 2 (also known as Breezehurst playing fields), Bewbush, Crawley, creating eighty-five (85) number of dwellings, as part of the Council’s own build housing programme. To seek approval – by way of delegated authority – to enter into a contract for the construction of said dwellings.   Exempt Paragraph 3 – Information relating to financial and business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information)   RESOLVED   That the Cabinet:   a)                considered the options as set out in section 6.8 and approves Option 3 as detailed in the options analysis in section 6.8 of report CH/202.   b)                subject to planning permission being granted, delegates authority to the Cabinet Member for Housing in consultation with the Head of Strategic Housing and the Chief Executive, for the appointment of a building contractor to deliver the Breezehurst Drive Phase 2 scheme, using a suitable building contract – following an appropriate procurement process.   c)                delegates the negotiation, approval and completion of all relevant documentation, including legal paperwork, to the Head of Strategic Housing, in consultation with the Chief Executive, Head of Governance, People and Performance and the Head of Corporate Finance. (Generic Delegations 2 and 3 will be used to enact this recommendation)   That Full Council be recommended to approve the proposed increased scheme budget - stated under item 6.3 within report CH/202 - for the delivery of 85 affordable residential units (flats and houses) at the Breezehurst Drive Phase 2 site.   Reasons for the Recommendations   With its obligation to satisfy housing demand in the borough, and its statutory duty towards its residents that are in housing need - who cannot afford to buy or rent on the private market, the Council is required to pursue the development of new affordable housing in order to meet this demand.  

Date of Decision: June 25, 2025