Issue - meetings

This item was chaired by Councillor Robertson (Vice-Chair Councillor).

Matter for Decision

The report sought approval for a budget to support pilot feasibility work for rooftop development at Lichfield Road (243 - 313 Odds) and Walpole Road (1-12 Bracondale, 1-18 Fernwood, 1-18 Heatherfield).

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing and Homelessness

      i.         Noted the selection of the sheltered housing schemes at Lichfield Road (243 - 313 Odds) and Walpole Road ( 1-12 Bracondale, 1-18 Fernwood, 1-18 Heatherfield) as approved candidates for pilot scheme consideration.

    ii.         Approved the bringing forward of pilot feasibility studies through a specialist and OJEU complaint Procurement Framework.

   iii.         Approved that a revenue budget of £190,000 be identified to support feasibility work, with this budget bid subject to approval in the forthcoming November 2023 Mid Term Financial Strategy.

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 Assistant Director Development (Places Group)

The Assistant Director Development (Places Group) said the following in response to Members’ questions:

i.    Noted that some of the sheltered housing schemes had poor accessibility. One of the options being considered was that the rooftop development consisted of further sheltered housing, but this was one of the questions to be explored through the feasibility scheme - whether alternative housing could be provided.

ii.  The pilot only involved tenanted accommodation there was the potential that this could be expanded to mixed tenured blocks (i.e., to include leaseholders).

iii. The pilot would include a carbon assessment, which would include how far the development could go towards ‘net zero’.

iv.Officers would need to engage with residents to understand their needs and circumstances. The Council had their own in-house Occupation Therapist who would assist Officers to consider residents’ needs.

v.  A pilot scheme helps officers to understand what issues could arise with rooftop developments.

vi.The Council’s Independent Living Service could also assist with consultation and engagement with vulnerable residents.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendation.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

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

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.