Decision details

To implement a Local Lettings Plan (LLP) to cover first and all subsequent lets on 5 affordable rented units at the Brewery development for a 12 month period (until 31st March 2027) to be reviewed by Cheltenham Borough Council officers in January 2027 to determine whether an extension, amendment, or removal to the LLP is required.

This decision has been taken to assist with the management of community dynamics in the vicinity of this development, whilst reflecting the context of the Council’s involvement in this scheme: namely that the Council leases affordable homes on this site, rather than owning them outright.
Whilst a legacy Local Lettings Plan for this scheme had previously been agreed between officers, this had not been approved through the Council’s official decision making channels (in this case, published as an officer decision), and, as such, recent discussions with officers have concluded with an agreement to follow the formal process and seek to adopt the Local Lettings Plan for the Brewery.
Officers are aware that this scheme is located within the Brewery and recognise the potential implications upon the night-time economy if this location is not well-managed. As such, this Local Lettings Plan will help the Council to ensure that we continue to effectively manage our communities whilst meeting our statutory housing duties by housing residents in need. Officers reserve the right to amend the Local Lettings Plan as required through the annual review process as described below.

The Council considered not formalising the Local Lettings Plan, however, this option was rejected due to the need for the Council to be transparent in how we offer services to existing and prospective tenants. Furthermore, officers were of the view that, given the location of this scheme and the Council’s current leasing arrangement, prioritising community stability through the formal adoption of a Local Lettings Plan was appropriate.
Finally, the Council considered the option of not adopting a Local Lettings Plan at this location. However, upon reflection, officers agreed that, given the ‘tucked away’ location of this accommodation, failing to implement appropriate measures within a LLP to prevent anti-social behaviour could potentially be detrimental to the community dynamics of the area, as well the night-time economy of the Brewery. For these reasons, officers have sought to formalise the Local Lettings Plan on this scheme.

Consultation was undertaken with internal officers from the Tenancy Management, Housing Options, ASB and Empty Homes team who collectively did not propose any significant alterations to the Local Lettings Plan, other than it would be useful to formalize the Local Lettings Plan moving forward. Next, consultation was undertaken with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Customer Services, who approved of the Local Lettings Plan and supported progressing the Local Lettings Plan for publication following officer sign-off.