Chief Executive's Log for February 2011

Published: 22 March 2011 | Author: Shelagh Grant

Dear All,

February began with our Project Director, Krys Blackburn participating in a Breakfast Seminar with members PRP Architects to test ideas for tenure models for the private rented sector and new affordable housing models in the context of changes to funding regimes and a stalled housing market.

Meanwhile, we were busy preparing for our first conference in 2011, a very successful event at Newport Pagnell. We expanded the geographic base to include South East Midlands, following the Homes and Communities Agencies wider area coverage and were delighted that Paul Spooner, Director, HCA Midlands, gave the keynote presentation and set out how the National Affordable Homes Programme will be set out, and how affordable rent will work in practice.

John Onslow, from Cambridgeshire County Council took us through the local geography of Local Enterprise Partnerships from his perspective as a founding member of the Greater Peterborough and Greater Cambridgeshire Local Enterprise Partnership. John explained Cambridgeshire’s approach and the importance attached to housing schemes -intent on promoting quality through the “Quality Charter “. Allan Ronald from Higgins continued with the theme in relation to “sustainable design “ and Higgins' initiative , the “Move-in-Mate“, an effective service to new tenants to give practical help in running a home and getting the most from energy and sustainability features. Having got all our members and delegates “up to speed“ on the issues of the day, we were ready for The Housing Forum debate, with our able Guest Chair, David Keeling bpha in the Chair. The presentations, results of the debate and evoting score see on web site here.

Weather permitting, we have been keen to get out and about and visit significant housing schemes and it was a sort drive to nearby Milton Keynes to visit the ExtraCare Charitable Trust's Lovat Fields Village. This scheme is built for purchase and renting and offers good space standards and social, health and shopping faculties.”A cruise liner on land“
commented one of our delegates!

Our conferences provided relevant and up to date information and networking which is essential in the Fast moving housing world but other work goes on analysing in-depth the local partnerships and opportunities . We hold monthly “Regional Industry Leaders Workshops" in larger towns and with a range of Housebuilders, affordable housing contractors, housing association specialists undertake a close examination of local opportunities and barriers to development. We were the guests of Housing Forum members Saxon Weald Housing Association on 10th February at their town centre headquarters in Horsham. David Standfast, Chief Executive explained the strong connections Saxon Weald had with several local councils and parishes since the stock transfer which set them up a decade ago. In the new world of localism, many housebuilders are recognising that new partnerships and alliances will be beneficial, helping with a longer term flow of work. The write up from the event is on the website here and our calendar of events gives dates of future workshops, so please express an interest in attending to info@housingforum.org.uk

We were also delighted to welcome Robert Woodhead Ltd and K-Panels Ltd as new members.

Shelagh Grant,

Chief Executive of The Housing Forum