New Programme
We work within the ‘investment partnering’ framework, in collaboration with Partnership South West, to achieve our Business Plan.
The Group has a strong presence in the districts of Mid-Devon, Exeter, Teignbridge, Torbay, South Hams, Plymouth, North Cornwall, Carrick and Torridge.
The Group targets its activity where it has a viable management ‘reach’, and where public investment is likely. In order to achieve our business plan target of 900 new homes over the coming 5 years, we will continue to develop where we are recognised as ongoing partners. Westward Housing is a recognised partner in the Cornwall Housing Partnership, as it is in Plymouth, the South Hams and Teignbridge. Other target areas include Mid-Devon, North Cornwall, Torridge and former Carrick area.
The Group expects to contribute to the continued growth of affordable housing in these areas. Our programme will continue to be influenced by our private sector partners, particularly where there are ‘section 106’ affordable housing opportunities.
Housing formats/tenures
Westward will develop a full range of housing formats over our business plan period (2010-2015), always bearing in mind the impact of development costs on the business plan, and in particular the Financial Forward Planning Framework (FFPF) which is monitored by our New Business Development Group. The different Local Authorities named above all have different priorities for their districts, and seek a range of housing tenures. However, the theme common to all authorities is the need for subsidised houses for rent. Authorities also recognise the need for low cost home ownership, and supported housing in its various forms.
Supported Housing has particular development, design and revenue funding requirements, but the Homes and Communities Agency has announced an ongoing commitment to house people with the most challenging support needs. The Group will work with the Supporting People teams and other relevant stakeholder groups to continue to find housing solutions within our housing programme for the most vulnerable members of the community.
The Group is guided in its housing investment decisions by the requirements of the relevant Local Authority and Supporting People Team, having due regard to different cost profiles presented by different housing formats, and the disciplines of the Business Plan.