Purpose

 To approve the capital budget, works and
procurement at these sites.

Content

RESOLVED

 

KEY DECISION

 

That the Executive:

 

i)         
Approved the commencement of the
procurement process to fully demolish the properties (Option A) on
the Saunders Close site, Kettering and Lawrence Factory site,
Desborough.

 

ii)       
Noted the request contained in the
draft Capital Programme for 2026/27 – 2029/30 that was
presented to the Executive on 16 December 2025 for budget approval
for the scheme in 2026/27 totalling £1.5m, anticipated to be
funded by borrowing.

 

iii)     
Delegated authority to the
Assistant Director of Assets & Environment, in consultation
with the Executive Member for Assets, Waste and Environment, to
take all necessary actions to deliver the project, including
awarding of the contract.

 

 

 

Reason for
Recommendations

 

•          
The Council has a legislative duty
to make the sites safe, with derelict buildings being made safe and
secure. Demolition is the only means of removing the safety
risks.

•          
The buildings are in a state of
significant disrepair and could endanger any
trespassers.

•          
The site has been subject to
Anti-Social Behaviour and arson attempts. The ongoing costs of
enhanced security provisions makes demolition the most
cost-effective way to remove this risk.

•          
Clearance of the site is required
anyway as part of a redevelopment scheme.

 

Alternative Options
Considered:

 

•        
Partial demolition to reduce costs
and leaving the buildings in-situ are discounted as they do not
effectively remove the risks presented by the site and will not
remove the ongoing revenue costs associated with securing the
sites.

•        
Selling the sites in their present
condition was also considered. However, a proposed sale of the site
will take several months the Council would remain responsible for
the site during this period. Given the level of risk presented by
both sites it is recommended to proceed with demolition
now.