Decision details

The Director of Business, Development and Growth submitted a report updating Members on the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) and objectively assessed need for Central Lancashire and Chorley. The report also sought approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Preston and South Ribble Councils which reflects the partnership working together across the housing market area.

Councillor Paul Walmsley, Executive Member for Public Protection presented the report which referred to the Central Lancashire Core Strategy which had been prepared jointly by Chorley, Preston and South Ribble Councils and adopted in 2012. This included the housing delivery requirements for each local authority at the time, which was Chorley 417 (dwellings per year); South Ribble 417; and Preston 507.

The Core Strategy is informed by the Strategic Housing Market Assessment which provides evidence based information. It doesn’t set housing targets but provides an assessment of the need for housing in an area. Preston Council commissioned a company to produce a new SHMA for the three Councils in 2016 and the outcome of their assessment and the rationale, was contained within the report.

It was proposed that a formal MoU be entered into with South Ribble and Preston to agree to retain the distribution of housing requirement. Attached to the report as Appendix 1, was a proposed Joint MoU and Statement of Co-operation relating to the Provision of Housing Land.

Councillor Paul Walmsley, Executive Member for Public Protection proposed, Councillor Alistair Bradley, Executive Leader seconded and it was

RESOLVED –

1.    That Chorley Council enters into a formal Memorandum of Understanding with Preston City Council and South Ribble Borough Council to agree to retain the distribution of housing requirement as set out within the existing Central Lancashire Core Strategy. This would mean an annual housing requirement for Chorley of 417 dwellings.

2.    That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Business, Development and Growth, in consultation with the Head of Legal, Democratic and HR Services, to agree any subsequent minor changes to the Memorandum of Understanding.