Decision details

Cambridge City Council

Record of Executive Decision

Funding for the Demolition of East Road Garages

Decision of: Councillor Mike Todd-Jones, Executive Councillor for Housing

Reference: 22/URGENCY/HSC/06

Date of Decision: 20 May 2022

Decision Type: Key

Matter for Decision: Approval to fund the demolition of the garage block at East Road from HRA reserves, with the expenditure to be formally recognised in the budgets as part of the HRA Medium Term Financial Strategy in September 2022.

Why the Decision had to be made (and any alternative options): The decision to demolish the garage block at East Road has been taken under delegation following receipt of a demolition notice from Building Control after the building suffered severe structural damage in high winds. This urgent decision is required to secure the funding in the HRA to allow these demolition works to proceed.

The Executive Councillor’s decision: Approve the use of £300,000 of HRA reserves to fund the demolition of the garage block at East Road, with the use of these funds to be formally recognised in the HRA budget as part of the HRA medium Term Financial Strategy in September 2022.

Reason for the decision: The decision to demolish the garage block at East Road has been taken out of cycle for reasons of health and safety, following damage to the block in high winds. The need to fund these works arises from this decision.

Scrutiny Consideration: The Chair and Spokesperson of Housing Scrutiny Committee were consulted prior to the action being authorised.

Report: A report detailing the background and financial considerations will be published Agenda for Housing Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, 21st June, 2022, 5.30 pm - Cambridge Council.

Conflict of interest: None

Comments: The Green and Independent Spokes noted their Group’s support for the decision and noted that it was difficult to see what other option was possible.