Authority is requested to approve a pilot project to lease the airspace above existing council properties to Apex Airspace Development (“Apex”) who will construct new homes. The Council will be offered first refusal to buy the homes constructed in the airspace at a prior agreed price, for letting on secure Council tenancies. If the Council does not acquire the properties, Apex will be permitted to sell the properties on the open market. Delegated authority is requested to approve the leasing of the airspace to Apex who will then progress to submitting a planning application. Delegated authority is also requested to purchase the new homes provided the cost is within the approved programme budget.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Capital Expenditure > £1,000,000;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Wards/Areas affected: (All Wards/Areas);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 16/06/2021
Anticipated restriction: Part exempt - View reasons
Category: Community;
Urgent: No;
Decision due: 15 July 2021 by Cabinet
Lead Member: Councillor Phillip O'Dell
Lead member: Housing Portfolio Holder
Lead director: Julian Higson
Department: Community Directorate
Contact: Divisional Director, Housing Services Alison Pegg, Head of Housing Regeneration, Email: alison.pegg@harrow.gov.uk, tel. 07592 110410.
Consultation process
All council house building proposals are consulted on with local residents and ward councillors’ at the start of the design process and before a planning application is submitted and changes made as a result of resident feedback. A consultation event in relation this this proposal took place with the residents of Buckingham and Whitchurch Court on the potential for airspace development above their homes in October 2019. They will continue to be consulted and involved in the development of detailed design and submission of a planning application and further consultations will be progressed.