To notify the Chairman of any items that appear in the agenda in which you may have an interest.

Members had no interests to declare.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 8^th January 2009.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 8^th January 2009 were confirmed as a correct and signed by the Chairman.

Report of Director of Neighbourhood Services.

Consideration was given to a report regarding a request from Tees Valley Housing Group for 38 properties within ‘The Lanes’ development, Hawkeshead Place, Newton Aycliffe to be utilised through low cost home ownership and intermediate rent in view of the current housing market conditions.  (For copy see file of Minutes). 

Members noted that low cost home ownership and intermediate rent schemes had the support of the Housing Corporation and had been introduced to assist households who were unable to afford access to home ownership in view of the current housing market conditions.  The intermediate rent, which was set at 80% of the market rent ,enabled potential home owners to save for a deposit or to allow their financial circumstances to improve sufficiently to help them access home ownership.

RESOLVED :         1.   That the request from Tees Valley Housing Group to provide 38 properties, through low cost home ownership and intermediate rent, subject to Housing Corporation funding, be approved.

2.      That applicants who fulfil the criteria be nominated from Council’s housing register.

3.      That the Council in partnership with Tees Valley Housing Group continues to actively market the development.

Minutes of the meeting held on 16^th December 2008.

Consideration was given to the Minutes of the meeting held on 16^th December 2008.  (For copy see file of Minutes)

The Lead Member for Social Regeneration and Partnership announced that the project to develop a football academy in Ferryhill, which had already been allocated £320,000 of Local Improvement Programme funds, had been awarded approximately £729,000 in grant funding by the Football Foundation.

Members thanked officers in the Regeneration Section and local councillors for their work in supporting the project.

RESOLVED :         That the Minutes be received.

Minutes of the meeting held on 6^th January 2009.

Consideration was given to the Minutes of the meeting held on 6^th January 2009.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

RESOLVED :         That the Minutes be received.

Published on 22^nd January, 2009.

The Minutes contain no key decisions and will be implemented immediately.