To report the outcome of a feasibility study into refurbishment of the sheltered housing compared to redevelopment

This reported was deferred from 3 February 2009 meeting, and is being recirculated for ease of reference

Ms Ann Culley will address the meeting on behalf of a deputation, under the provisions of Standing Order 10

Further to Minute 1076/08, Members considered Tribal Consulting’s report on the merits of refurbishing the Elizabeth House sheltered housing scheme, compared to new build.  The report confirmed that both options could be achieved.  However, it established clearly that refurbishment would not fully achieve any of the council’s 32 key requirements and met little or none on 5 factors.  In comparison, the new build option would meet all the requirements fully, with the exception of 2 factors, where most or some of the requirements would be met. 

Specifically, the consultants had concluded that a new build approach would provide housing with a significantly longer lifetime that would more effectively meet existing needs and have greater flexibility to adapt to the future needs and demands of an ageing population.  It would also provide a wider development that would function better, be more attractive, make better use of its location, be more energy efficient and sustainable and fit in better with its surrounding area.  It would also increase the supply of a much-needed type of housing. 

In comparison, refurbishment would not be able to provide fully sheltered and extra care housing to current standards and would result in a scheme that would only be suitable for a limited range of older people, excluding many of those with significant care needs.  It would also result in a net loss of units on the site.

The report also noted that there would be significant benefits for residents if a phased development was undertaken.  The retention of Elizabeth House and its communal facilities until new properties became available for letting would mean that 34 of the tenants who wished to remain on site during the works would have the option to do so.

Given this information, Members were recommended to agree to proceed with the new build option, to provide new affordable homes for older people and vulnerable adults, on a phased development basis.

Tribal had also confirmed that the site could be developed with or without the inclusion of Nos. 1, 2 and 3 Cheam Park Way and 1 Pondhill Gardens.  However, they supported the view that the inclusion of these additional properties would be beneficial to the project.

Ms Ann Culley addressed the meeting on behalf of a deputation, under the provisions of Standing Order 11.  Ms Culley posed a number of questions, as part of her presentation, to which the Executive Councillor for Adult Social Care & Housing responded.  At the discretion of the Chair, Councillor Jonathan Pritchard, a ward councillor, also addressed the meeting.

The Chair thanked Ms Culley for her presentation and the residents for attending the meeting.  He commended them on the reasonable, calm and disciplined way they had engaged with the council on this project.  Members appreciated that this was a very difficult time for many of them and hoped that they would continue their helpful dialogue during the outline planning and planning brief stages of the development.  A commitment had been given that all residents who wished to remain at Elizabeth House would be able to do so.  Councillor Colin Stears would be meeting residents later in the week for further discussions.

Resolved: (i) To note the report from Tribal Consulting and its conclusions;

(ii) To agree, in light of the conclusions of the independent consultants, to proceed with the option of providing new affordable homes for older people and vulnerable adults at the Elizabeth House sheltered housing scheme;

(iii) To agree to a phased development, with the demolition of Elizabeth House being delayed until new properties have been constructed;

(iv) To agree to the inclusion of Nos. 1, 2 and 3 Cheam Park Way and No. 1 Pondhill Gardens in the development and the appropriation of Nos. 1 and 3 Cheam Park Way from the Environment & Leisure Group to the Housing Revenue Account;

(v) To delegate authority to the Strategic Director – Adult Social Services & Housing, in consultation with the Executive Member for Adult Social Care & Housing, to decide the formal commencement date of the rehousing process.

The meeting adjourned at 8:06pm to allow the public gallery to clear, and reconvened at 8:12pm.

Written notice having been received from 5 members of the Conservative Group under standing order 24.4, on the grounds that the report by Tribal Consulting creates more questions than it answers and the outcome being sought is to provide a more precise and detailed analysis of the costings and implications of the project, for both the Council Tax payer and those most affected, resident on and adjacent to the site, the above decisions are

RECOMMENDED: To full council for consideration.