Issue - decisions

This item was Chaired by Councillor Mike Todd-Jones

Matter for Decision

A clinic had been provided on the ground floor at Kingsway Flats in Arbury since 1965. The current tenants, the NHS, were vacating the premises at the end October 2017. A current lack of demand for this type of property, combined with the poor layout and condition of the clinic and the re-provision of these NHS services elsewhere, made it unlikely that a new tenant would be found.

A team of architects were commissioned to carry out a feasibility study to investigate the possibility of converting the clinic into further units of accommodation to let for general needs purposes and provide the estimated costs of carrying out the work.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

Agreed that the Kingsway Clinic to be converted into 2, 1-bed and 2, 2-bed flats for use as general needs housing, funding the works, estimated to be approximately £477,000, from the existing budget ear-marked for acquisition or new build housing using retained right to buy receipts.

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 Business Manager and Principal Accountant.

The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:

       i.          Sought clarification regarding rent levels.

     ii.          Questioned how the final option had been selected.

   iii.          Expressed regret that none of the properties offered disabled access.

The Business Manager and Principal Accountant stated the following in response to Members’ questions:

       i.          Confirmed that option 2 (2, 1-Bed and 2, 2-bed) had been selected as the conversion costs were similar for all options but the returns would be higher for this configuration.

     ii.          The properties would be offered at affordable rent levels and would be set at Local Housing Allowance level including service charges.

   iii.          Confirmed that there was an expectation that Right to Buy receipts would be used to fund properties to be let at affordable rent levels rather than social rent levels.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.