Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision

Report on building safety at Stanton House and future use of the building.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

      i.         Noted the cost of essential Compliance related works required to Stanton House at £635,000.

    ii.         Noted the options appraisal for Stanton House carried out by Rock Townsend Architects LLP and agreed in principle that it was no longer viable to retain the building in its current form.

   iii.         Approved removing Stanton House from the Councils operational Housing portfolio, which would include the planned decanting of all existing residents in line with the Regeneration Policy which included information on statutory home loss and disturbance payments.

  iv.         Approved a capital budget of £333,000 to cover the decanting payments to residents of Statutory Home loss and Disturbance payments. This budget would be drawn down from the existing budget approved for investment in the delivery of new homes.

    v.         Agreed that there will be further consideration of the redevelopment options for the Stanton House site that will be brought back to this committee in September 2024 for decision.

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 for Housing and Homelessness.

The Assistant Director for Housing and Homelessness said the following in response to Members’ questions:

      i.         Noted concerns expressed regarding the potential loss of sheltered housing and replacement with family homes. The Council was looking to bring forward an additional sheltered housing scheme which had 8 units, acknowledged this was smaller than Stanton House and that repairs were currently being undertaken to the property. Commented that the Council needed to understand what the older persons housing need was as currently there didn’t appear to be a high demand for sheltered accommodation. However, there could be a need that the council was not aware of.

    ii.         Noted ward councillor’s preference for the retention of social housing on the site. Options for the site (refurbishment / redevelopment) were being considered afresh. Considerations would include viability and what (if any) grant funding may be available.

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.