Decision details

To extend the existing Local Lettings Plan covering first lets and all subsequent lets on 65 social rented properties within the Regent Village development for an additional 12-month period (until 31st March 2027), to be reviewed by Cheltenham Borough Council officers in January 2027 to
determine whether an extension or amendment to the LLP is required.

This decision has been taken on the three main grounds. First, the Council recognises that this scheme covers the first phase of the larger Elms Park (North West Cheltenham strategic allocation), and thus it is crucial that a stable community is created to ensure long-term community resilience. Second, this Local Lettings Plan will enable officers to strike an equitable and appropriate balance between meeting our housing needs through Homeseeker Plus and creating resilient, mixed and balanced communities. Third, officers recognise that the completions and lettings of the social rented homes on this site have been delayed compared to anticipated timelines, as such, officers deemed it appropriate to extend the Local Lettings Plan on this scheme to continue fostering a strong community in this location.
2 These grounds align closely with the objectives outlined within the Council’s 2025- 2028 Corporate Plan and 2023-2028 Housing,Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, both of
which have a strong focus on creating strong, sustainable communities that allow all residents to thrive

Officers considered the option of allowing the existing Local Lettings Plan for Regents Village to
expire. However, owing to the relatively early stage of this development (in terms of handovers and lettings), as well as the risk of potentially undermining community cohesion at this key stage
of neighbourhood building, officers felt as if this option would be inappropriate, and, as such, this option has been rejected. This approach aligns with the Council’s focus within Key Priority 2 of our 2025-2028 Corporate Plan on creating quality homes and safe and strong communities, to help people feel safer and improving our neighbourhoods and public spaces.

The accompanying Local Lettings Plan was previously agreed following discussions with CBC’s Housing Options, Empty Homes, Tenancy Sustainment and Housing Enabling teams. The attached Local Lettings Plan has been agreed with these same teams, with no amendments
proposed. Following sign-off by CBC officers, the proposed local lettings plan was circulated to the Cabinet Member for Housing, for their views and feedback. After reviewing the Local Lettings Plan and associated officer decision, the Cabinet Member for Housing offered their
support for the Local Lettings Plan, with no changes proposed.