Issue - meetings

Matter for Decision:

The report requested approval to redevelop City Homes properties in Barnwell Road as part of the 146 new Council House Programme. A mixed tenure scheme was proposed that would be developed with the Council’s new house-builder/developer partner, Keepmoat.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

The Executive Councillor resolved to:

       I.      Approve the property mix and layout of the scheme as detailed in the Officer’s report, noting that these are subject to planning approval.

    II.      Approve an estimated contract value for the scheme of £940,000.

 III.      Approve a further budget of £278,160 to cover Home Loss and cost consultant costs.

IV.      Approve that delegated authority be given to the Director of Customer and Community Services following consultation with the Director of Resources and the Head of Legal Services to seal a Development Agreement with our selected house-builder/developer partner, Keepmoat for the scheme.

Reason for the Decision:

Approval to take the scheme forward now would allow consultation to begin with tenants with a view to achieving vacant possession by end March 2013. This in turn allows a target date for completion of the new homes by end March 2014.  

Any alternative options considered and rejected:

Not Applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations:

The committee received a report for the Head of Strategic Housing regarding the New Council House Programme for Barnwell Road.

In response to a question from the Leaseholder Representative, the Head of Strategic Housing confirmed that the leaseholder effected by the proposal was believed to be a resident leaseholder. They would receive compensation in line with the recently agreed policy.

In response to member question, the following were confirmed:

             I.      The unit sizes would mirror the Strategic Analysis of Housing Demand with approximately 50% being 1 or 2 bed units and 50% being 3 bed and larger.

          II.      Local factors, such as the supply and demand of certain property types in the vicinity, would be taken into account.

       III.      The overarching aim was to maximise the number of affordable properties.

      IV.      The mix would vary from site to site.

         V.      It was not anticipated that there would be a high demand from existing residents wanting to return following any decant. 

      VI.      The properties would be built to high standards.

   VII.      This was the start of a four-year programme which would encourage the developer to provide a good service.

The Scrutiny Committee considered and endorsed the recommendations in the report by 6 votes to 0.

The Executive Councillor for Housing approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted)

N/A