URL: https://democracy.cheltenham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3420

Decision Maker: Director of Governance, Housing and Communities and Monitoring Officer - Claire Hughes

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Following an internal review of live Local Lettings Plans across the Borough with officers, and based on a range of evidence, it has been decided to remove the Local Lettings Plan at Waterloo Street to enable the Council to let these properties to local households in the greatest housing need via Homeseekerplus without restriction. The Local Lettings Plan was previously established to help disrupt and tackle a growing organized criminal gang (OCG) presence in the Waterloo Street locality. Evidence provided by the Council’s officers and our key partners indicates that these efforts, alongside close partnership working with key partners, has had a positive impact on community cohesion and resilience in this area. As such, officers have collectively agreed that this Local Lettings Plan is no longer required. This decision will allow the Council to make the best use of our existing stock and meet housing needs within the Borough, in line with our 2023-2028 Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and updated 2025-2028 Corporate Plan. Officers will have the ability to re-apply a Local Lettings Plan (following a successful Officer Decision) if ASB, lettings and community cohesion evidence and/or anecdotal evidence indicates that a Local Lettings Plan is required for Waterloo Street in view of OCG activity, or any other form of ASB.

Date of Decision: September 24, 2025