Issue - meetings

This item was chaired by Councillor Thittala Varkey (Chair).

Matter for Decision

The report sought approval for the delivery of a further 4 pod homes at an identified site on Hills Avenue, Queen Edith Ward, to be delivered by the Council in partnership with It Takes A City (“ITAC”).

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

i.               Approved the use of the land at the corner of Hills Avenue and Baldock Way as a site for delivery of modular (pod) housing to serve former rough sleepers.

ii.              Approved that a budget of £25,000 be allocated out of the approved new build housing budget to support the delivery of the Hills Avenue Pod housing scheme.

iii.             Delegated authority to the Head of Property Services in consultation with the Assistant Head of Finance to approve the terms of lease to a third-party charitable organisation.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Head of Housing Development Agency.

The Housing Services Manager (Housing Advice), Head of Housing and Programme Manager said the following in response to Members’ questions:

      i.         Modular housing was meant to provide a landing stage for people who found themselves homeless. It was anticipated that this type of housing may be used for up to a 2-year period; it was not intended to provide a permanent home. Some people could stay longer as each case was determined on a person’s individual circumstances. 

    ii.         The selection process for modular housing was undertaken by a Panel comprising Council officers and representatives from Jimmy’s and It Takes a City.

   iii.         Each person allocated a modular home would have their own dedicated support worker.

  iv.         Noted that the use of the site as a community garden was on a short-term basis and the site had been ear marked for development. Would try and off-set biodiversity net gain on adjacent sites and retain trees on the site as far as this was possible.

    v.         There were no plans for a sexually segregated modular home site.

  vi.         Acknowledged that modular housing was movable if this became necessary or desirable in the future.

 vii.         Noted that an update on this project could be included within a future Housing First report.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.