Decision details

To consider approving the Loal Lettings Scheme for Tustin Estate

That the Cabinet Member for Council Homes and Homelessness:

1.  Approves the local lettings scheme for the allocations of the new council homes built as part of the Tustin Estate Low Rise Redevelopment Programme where 100% of the properties will be prioritised for existing council tenants and resident leaseholders on the Tustin Estate.

2.  Approves the local lettings criteria for the new homes as set out below:

i.  Council tenants will be guaranteed a newly built council home on the Tustin Estate.

ii.  Resident leaseholders will be offered a newly built home on the Tustin Estate through outright ownership, shared equity, shared ownership or an equity loan.

iii.  The local area is defined as the Tustin Estate. First priority is given to council tenants of Hillbeck Close, Kentmere House, Heversham House, Bowness House and Manor Grove, and second priority is given to residents on the housing waiting list prior to 11 March 2020 or council tenants in Grasmere Point, Windermere Point and Ambleside Point who are living in overcrowded accommodation or are in housing need.

iv.  Council tenants and resident leaseholders will be pre-allocated a home off-plan based on prioritisation of housing need, medical need and how long they have lived on the estate. Households will be prioritised in existing priority bands and priority stars in accordance with the council’s published allocations scheme.

v.  Residents who currently live on the ground floor, have a private garden or both will be allocated home on a like for like basis.

vi.  If council tenants are currently in a larger property than their need, they will be eligible for a property with one more bedroom than their need, however they may downsize if they wish to do so. If residents are not currently in a home larger than their need, they will be not be eligible for a home with extra bedrooms. Residents will not be permitted to move into accommodation that creates overcrowded circumstances.

vii.  Residents aged 55 or over on completion of the new homes will be eligible for one of the Over 55s homes.

viii.  Council tenants and resident leaseholders may wish to move to a home in a later phase in which case they will be allocated a temporary new home in Phase 1, which will be chosen after other residents have chosen a permanent home in Phase 1.

ix.  Residents will need to register for rehousing but will not need to bid for the new homes. Residents will choose a home from a booklet and will be invited to attend an exhibition where the plans will be displayed.