Thomson Snell & Passmore advises Gravesham Borough Council

09/12/2010

Thomson Snell & Passmore has recently advised Gravesham Borough Council on the development of the first new Council houses in Gravesend for over twenty years.

The project will see five new Council homes constructed. The scheme puts to good use previously vacant land and the new homes will be advertised on Kent HomeChoice and allocated to applicants on Gravesham Borough Council’s waiting list who are in housing need.

The Gravesham Borough Council Housing Strategy and Development Department worked hard to access Central Government funding earmarked to enable small sites to be put to residential use. To obtain funding in the current economic climate was particularly rewarding. The necessary funding is being provided by the Homes and Communities Agency ('HCA') under a grant agreement.

Construction is due to commence in November 2010 with the development completing in October 2011. The Council's Legal Services Department and Thomson Snell & Passmore advised the Council in connection with the agreement with Russet Homes, a local housing association which is part of the Circle Anglia Group, under which Russet Homes are providing development services to project manage and deliver the scheme for the Council.  

The team at Thomson Snell & Passmore has also been involved in both the development agency and grant agreements, as well as the various construction agreements, and has worked closely with the Council's Housing Strategy and Development and in-house legal departments. The lawyers at Thomson Snell & Passmore working on the project were Richard Ellard, a partner in the Commercial Property and Development team and Chris Whittington a partner and Head of the Construction & Engineering team. Partner Richard Ellard said:

"We are delighted to work with Gravesham Borough Council and to have been able to assist the Council in bringing to fruition this important project, which will lead to the regeneration of an disused site in Northfleet into much needed social housing. It has been a pleasure working with the team at Gravesham, including Sarah McEwan, Principal Legal Assistant, and Sharon Donald, Housing Strategy and Development Manager."

Councillor Anthony Pritchard, Lead Member Housing for Gravesham Borough Council said:

"I am pleased that the Council has been able to secure funding for this important project given the very challenging economic climate, and particularly the substantial cut just announced in government funding for social housing. I have no doubt that this type of regeneration will bring benefits to the local community and I am delighted to have Thomson Snell & Passmore advising the council on the negotiations and drafting the complex documentation. It was reassuring to have Richard and Chris supporting us on this important project. Thomson Snell & Passmore provided a high level of service and we thank them for their contribution."

Thomson Snell & Passmore has one of the largest teams of Commercial Property lawyers in the southeast of England and advises a wide range of clients in the public, private and third sectors, including local authorities, housing associations, educational institutions and charities.