Agenda item

Councillor Vaughan noted that the plans showed the potential loss of a children’s play area.  He asked officers to consider a replacement elsewhere in the development.  The meeting was informed that there were plans for the re provision with an improved new open space within the underutilised caretaker facility.  The Leader noted that the plans were still being developed and officers will submit a further report with detailed proposals for consideration.

RESOLVED:-

1.1.That the work completed to date on the Pilot Site at Spring Vale Estate to develop a detailed development proposal; and that approval be given for further expenditure of £3,394,000 (to be funded from the decent neighbourhoods fund) comprising:

·                     Construction costs (£2,504,000),

·                     Scape framework fee & pre-construction fees (£70,000),

·                     City House Projects Limited’s professional fees (£240,000,

·                     Sales and marketing fees (£82,000), and

·                     Statutory fees and project contingency (£498,000), be noted.

1.2.That the appointment of Willmott Dixon Capital Works Limited, through the SCAPE Framework, as building contractor for the Spring Vale scheme, be approved.

1.3.That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Housing in conjunction with the Executive Director of Housing and Regeneration to appoint a sales and marketing agent following completion of the procurement process, be approved.

1.4.That the initial appraisals undertaken to date to identify two additional development sites at Becklow Gardens and Barclay Close be noted; and that expenditure of £230,000 (to be funded from the decent neighbourhoods fund, or should the schemes prove to be abortive - due to unforeseen costs; issues specific to site which makes development risk too high; or the development does not get planning consent - the cost would fall to revenue funded from s106) for professional fees for City House Projects Limited (appointed under the Council's Framework for Innovative Housing Built Using Modern Methods of Construction and Associated Development Management Services) to undertake resident consultation, site investigation surveys, and design of the two sites to planning (RIBA Stage D); and to note that this work will be let in phases, ensuring that funds are not expended if a feasibility issue emerges, be approved.

1.5.That a further Cabinet report will be presented setting out detailed development proposals – including construction methodology options - for the Becklow Gardens and Barclay Close sites and approval for further funding to proceed with the schemes, following consideration of the Housing Development Programme Business Plan, be noted.