Decision details

The land to the south of 43 St Audreys Close, Histon was the subject of a Decision Notice dated 14.6.2018 for the approval of the sale of land, following the identification of this site as one of 100 self-build plots in our District.

The first Decision Notice was drafted following obtaining Outline Planning Permission ref: S/0179/18OL and this site was subsequently marketed by Carter Jonas, in accordance with the requirement placed on Local Authorities to adhere to S.123 of the Local Government Act 1972, which seeks to ensure that public assets i.e. residential building plots, are disposed of at ‘best price’ (market value) to safeguard the tax payers’ interests and prevent any possible Judicial Challenge.

The period of open marketing, across multiple platforms and directed both to the existing register and to the general public, attracted a great deal of interest. 16 acceptable bids were submitted directly to the Council by 5^th April 2019. Two bids had to be rejected as they were not delivered in a sealed envelope but neither bid was close to the highest bid received.

The successful highest bid of £151,000 was received by an applicant on the Self-Build Register.

We have received formal written notification from Carter Jonas, dated 15^th April 2019that the obligation to achieve ‘best price’ in accordance with S.123 of The Local Government Act 1972 has been discharged.

Approval granted for the sale of HRA owned land to the south of 43 St Audreys Close, Histon which has outline planning permission for the erection of a single dwelling for the best value price of £151,000.

Sale of land is in accordance with the approved business case, with receipts invested into the Housing Revenue Account.

Option 1: Not to approve the sale of land for the highest bid of £151,000

Reason for Rejection: Part of our offer as a Right to Build Vanguard was the identification and promotion of 100 self-build plots in our district. We have an existing approved business case. The funding of new affordable council housing is dependent upon onward plot sales.