The Executive has decided to earmark funding and start discussions with Registered Providers to develop social housing on part of the Woodford Way Car Park.

URL: https://meetings.westoxon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=439

Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Councillor Geoff Saul, Executive Member for Housing and Social Care, introduced the item, the purpose of which was to outline the initial work involved in exploring options to deliver social rented homes with a Registered Provider (RP) on part of the Woodford Way Car Park. This proposal formed part of the Council’s long-term strategy to deliver the right homes in the right places and to make it easier for local people to afford homes in their communities. This site had always been earmarked for such a development, and this was the first step towards achieving this. The development would be for high-quality affordable one and two-bedroom homes. The Council had seen this as a key opportunity to provide such homes and enable people to stay close to work, schools and support networks. There was a large need for such a development, and it was the Council’s responsibility to use such Council owned land to provide social rent housing. Initially the proposal would retain seventy parking spaces, including all existing EV spaces, and took account of the community’s overnight parking need. Councillor Saul thanked the earlier public speaker and noted that bringing this item forward at such an early stage was to gather such views. Finally, it was noted that the scheme was at a very early stage and therefore all residents and stakeholders would have the chance to comment through consultation.   In the discussion the following points were raised by the Executive and Members in attendance:   It was welcome that the scheme was for 100% social housing with a small number of emergency housing units. Also welcome was the retention of seventy parking spaces. A residents’ permit parking scheme should be considered as part of the scheme. It was agreed that this would be investigated as the scheme is developed. Priority for the social housing should be given to key workers, in particular with the proximity of the site to key emergency services.  Currently the view was that it would be better for the Council to work with the expertise of a Registered Provider to develop the site, rather than for the Council to develop and manage the site itself. It was noted that the legislation that would allow the Council to develop the site itself was not thought to be in place at present. It was noted that providing market housing for sale to raise funds did not align with the Council’s priorities. It was noted that better grant funding would be available with 100% social housing rather than a mixed development. It was noted that Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) may allow for an increased stock of property for such schemes. The change in the use of town centres in general was discussed. Whilst a shopping need would continue there was a swing to leisure and living. Town centre living also enabled sustainable living which was important given the Council’s climate goals.   Councillor Saul proposed accepting the recommendations of the report.   Councillor Smith seconded the recommendations and noted that the proposed development would allow younger residents to remain in the area.   This proposal was voted on and approved unanimously.   RESOLVED: That the Executive: 1. Earmarked £215,000 S106 developer contribution funding to support the provision of social housing in Witney 2. Approved the Director of Place to start formal discussions based on developing up to 70% of the Woodford Way Car Park with local Registered Providers in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance and Member for Housing and Social Care

Date of Decision: July 9, 2025