Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 27, 2024

Purpose:

Content: That 1)  The addition of the Bellegrove Housing Development to the Capital Programme at a cost of £29m be approved, noting that this is the scheme cost, not the cost to the Council. This will allow the Housing Investment Fund to be ‘refunded’ ensuring funding is available for future feasibility exercises. 2)  The submission of necessary Planning Applications for the Bellegrove Housing Development be approved. 3)  The completion of pre-construction stages be approved, covering RIBA 3b – 4, costing c.£490k (inclusive within the overall budget figure), noting that the contract for the architect-led multi-disciplinary team has already been approved by Executive in HPR2024/007 but authority currently only extends to the completion of RIBA 3a. 4)  Subject to a successful determination of the Bellegrove Planning Application, expected in May 2025, authority be delegated to the Director of Housing, Planning, Property & Regeneration to approve separate Proceeding to Procurement Gateway Reports for the demolition of the site and the design and build works contract for the Bellegrove scheme at an estimated value of £25.5m, in agreement with the Portfolio Holder, the Assistant Director Governance & Contracts, the Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Finance, noting that award of contract and commencement of the scheme, if considered financially viable, will be subject to Executive decision in due course. 5)  External borrowing in relation to the financing requirements of the Bellegrove scheme, as set out in Section 6 and Paragraph 3.28 of this report be approved. 6)  Authority be delegated to the Director of Housing, Planning, Property & Regeneration, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Renewal, Recreation and Housing and the Portfolio Holder for Adult Care and Health, to convert the thirteen one-bed ground floor units into Supported Living accommodation for Adult Social Care should the viability assessment prove to be positive. 7)  It be note that this scheme will be progressed subject to a Secretary of State Direction to either (a) hold the properties outside of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) or (b) by Secretary of State’s Direction to allow the transfer of an appropriate sum from the General Fund to the HRA as set out in Paragraph 6.6 of the report.