URL: https://horsham.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=788

Decision Maker: Head of Property & Facilities ([email protected])

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: (i)            To appropriate the dwellinghouse and curtilage referred to and shown edged in red on the plan contained in the exempt appendix (“the Property”) from its current use by the Council in its function as a burial authority to general housing accommodation for persons with special needs under section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 with effect from the date of this decision; and (ii)           To authorise the granting of a lease of the Property by the Council to the Council’s housing company Horsham District Homes (Holdings) Limited for a term of five years at an affordable rent.   The Property is held by the Council for the purpose of discharging the Council’s function as a burial authority. The Property is considered to have been residential in use save for a short period of temporary office use. Save for one small building situated at the rear of the Property which will continue to be used by the Council in connection with its function as a burial authority, the Property itself is no longer required for this purpose and works were authorised to adapt the house and grounds of the Property for persons with special needs. Planning permission was granted for such works and the Council therefore wishes to appropriate the Property to use the same as general housing accommodation for persons with special needs.   As the Council is a local housing authority and discharges its housing function through the Council’s housing company Horsham District Homes (Holdings) Limited, the Council will grant a lease of the Property to the housing company for a term of five years at an affordable rent. This company will then manage and let out the Property as housing accommodation for persons with special needs on an assured shorthold tenancy basis.   Consideration has been given to different options for the Property, which include the following: (a)  incorporating it into the Temporary Housing Portfolio; (b)  disposing of it on the open market; or (c)   letting it on an assured shorthold tenancy at an affordable rent to a family on the housing list with special needs.   Option (a) was dismissed owing to its location to a cemetery. Option (b) was dismissed owing to the need to preserve the amenity and tranquillity of the cemetery.   None

Date of Decision: October 17, 2025