Issue - meetings

Appendix 3 to the report contains exempt information during which the public is likely to be excluded from the meeting subject to determination by the Scrutiny Committee following consideration of a public interest test.

 

This exclusion would be made under paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Matter for Decision

The report seeks approval to proceed with the redevelopment of Davy Road flats and garages through the Cambridge Investment Partnership to provide 90 new highly sustainable homes on the site. The report also seeks a budget to purchase the 45 Affordable Homes.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

      i.         Approved that the scheme be brought forward as a mixed tenure development and included in the Housing Capital Programme, with an indicative capital budget of £15,730,000 for the purchase of affordable homes to cover all site assembly, construction costs, professional fees and further associated fees. Budget will be drawn down from the sum already ear-marked and approved for investment in new homes.

    ii.         Authorised the Chief Operating Officer in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Housing to approve variations to the scheme including the number of units and mix of property types, sizes and tenure as outlined in the Officer’s report.

   iii.         Authorised the Chief Operating Officer in consultation with the Executive Councillor to approve an Affordable Housing Agreement with CIP for the purchase of 45 affordable homes. This agreement will be at a value provided by an independent valuer.

  iv.         Approved that delegated authority be given to the Executive Councillor for Housing in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer to enable the site to be developed through Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP) subject to a value for money assessment to be carried out on behalf of the Council.

    v.         Approved with immediate effect the purchase of the leasehold interest of flats at 2-28b Davy Road (evens) and the issue of Home Loss and Disturbance payments to qualifying Council tenants and Basic Loss and Disturbance payments to qualifying leaseholders affected by the potential redevelopment

  vi.         Approved giving 32 affected council tenants required to decant the highest priority on the Council's choice-based lettings system (Home-Link). The emergency banding status will be applied to all existing secure tenant applications from 18 September 2024.

 vii.         Delegated authority to the Chief Operating Officer to take steps preparatory to the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) in respect of any Leasehold and Freehold properties required in order to deliver the scheme.

viii.         Delegated authority to the Chief Operating Officer to make a CPO in respect of any leasehold or freehold interests that cannot be acquired by private treaty within a reasonable timescale and at a reasonable cost subject to the Chief Operating Officer being satisfied that there is a compelling case in the public interest for the use of compulsory purchase powers, and that all legal and policy requirements for the making and confirmation of a CPO have been met;

  ix.         Delegated authority to the Chief Operating Officer to serve initial Demolition Notices under the Housing Act 1985.

 

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).

 

The Committee were reminded that an Equality Impact Assessment had been published separately to accompany this report.

 

The Assistant Director (Development) corrected a typographical error in paragraph 2.1 of the officer’s report that 9 homes (and not 12 homes) should be eligible for the Homes England grant funding.

 

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

      i.         Noted members concerns about the reduction in social rent properties in the council’s portfolio and commented that the number of social rent properties being built across the country was low as it was difficult to make this tenure of property financially viable to develop.

    ii.         Referred to the table in paragraph 7.1 of the officer’s report and confirmed that reference made to 100% of residents experiencing anti-social behaviour should have been clarified to mean 100% of residents who responded to the consultation.

   iii.         Noted concerns raised about works being carried out to properties which were potentially ear marked for redevelopment and advised that some works were necessary to ensure homes complied with health and safety requirements.

  iv.         Redevelopment proposals would always consider retrofit options however it was noted that retrofitting would not always bring properties up to current levels for example space standards, therefore the case for redevelopment was strong. The sustainability standard that new homes were built to was high and it was hoped would future proof homes for a long time.

 

The Committee resolved by 5 votes to 0 with 3 abstentions 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.