Decision
Analysis
outcome: The Council will act as an affordable housing enabler, engaging with stakeholders and utilizing section 106 affordable housing contributions.
summary: The decision is about the approach to delivering affordable housing in the borough.
topline: The Cabinet has decided to act as an affordable housing enabler in the borough.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves decisions on housing development and allocation of resources.
affected_stakeholders: ["Council", "Landowners", "Developers", "Register Provider social landlords"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: There are no explicit mentions of political parties in the decision.
URL: https://democracy.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3027
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose: Report summarises a Consultants view and recommendations of the affordable housing delivery options available to the Council and makes recommendations for the approach to the delivery of affordable housing in the borough.
Content: Report summarises a Consultants view and recommendations of the affordable housing delivery options available to the Council and makes recommendations for the approach to the delivery of affordable housing in the borough. RESOLVED – That the Council’s approach to the delivery of affordable housing within the borough should be through its role as an affordable housing enabler, engaging with landowners, developers, and Register Provider social landlords, instead of taking a direct approach to develop or acquire affordable housing be approved. To continue to support the delivery of affordable housing within the borough, proactively engaging with stakeholders at pre and post planning, and through the utilisation of section 106 affordable housing contributions held by the Council, in accordance with the adopted Commuted Sums Spending Policy be approved. That the Head of Housing, Health and Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities be authorised to approve the spending of any section 106 affordable housing commuted sums currently held by the Council and sums yet to be collected arising from any planning obligations, to enable the delivery of affordable housing within the borough be approved. That the Head of Housing, Health and Environment, in consultation with the Head of the Legal Partnership be authorised to approve all legal documentation, including grant agreements with any Private Register Provider of social housing, associated with the recommendations in 1 to 3 above be approved. That the additional recommendation from the Cabinet Advisory Board, in particular the existing policies on affordable housing, the potential to use Council owned land and the importance of ensuring direct provision was picked up through discussions on Local Government Reorganisation, be noted. REASON FOR DECISION: To continue to focus on the Council’s role as an affordable housing enabler to help deliver affordable housing.
Date of Decision: June 26, 2025