Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director (Housing and Communities) on the outcome of consultation with key stakeholders on the proposal to redevelop Minister House, Hatfield in order to provide a larger, modern purpose built scheme.

(Note:  The Chairman of the Social Overview and Scrutiny Committee has been given notice that it was impracticable to comply with the requirement that at least twenty eight days’ notice must be given of the intention to make a key decision on the Forward Plan in accordance with Regulation 10 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 because it was urgent and could not reasonably be deferred for the reason specified).

The reason for this item is to be able to proceed with the redevelopment proposals and process to decant current Council tenants without delay.

Report of the Executive Director (Housing and Communities) on the outcome of consultation with key stakeholders on the proposal to redevelop Minster House, Hatfield in order to provide a larger, modern purpose built scheme.

(1)        The Decision Taken

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the Cabinet notes the outcome of the consultation with key stakeholders, as set out in paragraphs 3.2 to 3.7 of the report.

(2)       That the Cabinet agrees that the redevelopment proposal proceeds and that the process to commence decanting of current Council tenants start as soon as was reasonably practicable.

(3)       That the Cabinet agrees that the proposed scheme budget be included in the 2018/19 capital budget proposals and Medium Term Financial Strategy.

(4)       That the Cabinet notes the outcome of negotiations with the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God thus far and gives delegated authority to the Director (Housing and Communities), in consultation with the Executive Member (Housing, Planning and Community), to come to a suitable agreement with the Order within existing budget, in order to achieve vacant possession of the leased units within an acceptable timeframe.

(2)        Reasons for the Decision

Officers had recently carried out a consultation with the Council tenants at Minster House, Hatfield on proposals to redevelop the current sheltered housing scheme, to provide a larger, purpose built, modern facility.

As part of the consultation, each tenant was offered a ‘one to one’ meeting and provided with written information about the proposals.  The majority of the meetings took place on 19 October 2017.Whilst appreciating the impact of such a proposal on current residents of Minster House, the feedback was largely favourable and the majority of residents were positive about the benefits of the proposals.

As part of the detailed feedback tenants said they would value balconies, improved and accessible outside space, larger kitchens and wider doorways/space for mobility scooters and other equipment.

The proposals for the site would achieve around 70 one and two bedroom new build apartments, replacing the current scheme of 30 units.  The total scheme cost was estimated to be £15M, with 30% of the cost of the additional units on the site being met from ‘useable Right to Buy receipts’

Officers had also spoken to staff from the Hospitaller Order of St John of God as part of the consultation process as they were currently occupying several flats within the scheme under a leasing arrangement.

(Notes: (1)      The Chairman of the Social Overview and Scrutiny Committee had been given notice that it was impracticable to comply with the requirement that at least twenty eight days’ notice must be given of the intention to make a key decision on the Forward Plan in accordance with Regulation 10 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 because it was urgent and could not reasonably be deferred in order to be able to proceed with the redevelopment proposals and process to decant Council tenants without delay).

(2)     There were no declarations of interest by a Member(s) in respect of the matter decided).