In a Redbridge Cabinet meeting on 14 Sept 2021 the Leader (Jas Athwal) and Cabinet member for Growth and Operations introduced the report and the meeting resolved: That the valuation and sale (land at Billet Road) be approved.
The Council is the owner of 24.7 acres of land at Billet Road.
A larger piece of land 49 acres has already been allocated for development having been removed from the Green Belt despite the Mayor of London refusing saying the land meets the requirements for Green Belt. The green space here has never been built on. But it was a gravel extraction and unlicensed landfill site.
On the same date the Council decided to change from 'Build to Rent' to 'Build to Sell.'
Its all somewhat confusing given that The Leader, Jas Athwal told the Ilford Recorder :
“It’s difficult enough to see much-needed houses and flats lost forever to right to buy. We already have far fewer council homes than neighbouring boroughs and have lost many properties to this scheme.
But my heart sinks when I see data like this. There’s something wrong when people are making huge profits by quickly selling on properties bought at below market prices.”
While back in Aug 2018, Jas Athwal said:
"The council is becoming more “entrepreneurial” he said, buying up properties in Redbridge, and over the next five years he has promised to build 1,000 new high-quality council homes." Ilford Recorder
There may be a different conclusion but in our eyes this is hypocrisy. The Council owned land could have been used to build Council homes.
Curious to know if the sale price was the same as the valuation and where and when this piece of land was advertised for sale - anyone know??