Issue - meetings

To note the ongoing engagement with the local community, to ratify the result of the Tustin Estate Resident Ballot and related recommendations.

It was not possible to circulate this report five clear days in advance of the meeting. The chair agreed to accept this item as urgent. The report sets out a rehousing strategy which enables the redevelopment of the Tustin Estate and in order to secure external funding, vacant possession of buildings in Phase 1 needed to be in place to secure a contractual start on site by September 2022.

RESOLVED:

Decisions of the Cabinet

1.  That the ongoing engagement with the local community be noted and all residents be thanked, in particular the Tustin Community Association and resident project group, for their contribution to the resident-led programme of work at the feasibility and options stage and the initial steps of the delivery programme. 

2.  That the result of the Tustin Estate Resident Ballot, concluded in March 2021, and decision to demolish low-rise blocks (Bowness House, Heversham House, Hillbeck Close, Kentmere House and Ullswater), refurbish the council tenanted houses at Manor Grove, the demolition and rebuild of Pilgrims’ Way Primary School and the commercial units as well as the creation of a new park at the centre of the estate and delivery of a minimum of 689 homes across three phases, in line with the commitments set out within the Tustin Estate Landlord Offer Document be noted and ratified.

3.  That a further variation to the housing investment programme for funding of up to £14.24m to take forward the project to the next stage be approved.

4.  That the commencement of the acquisition of leasehold interests on the low-rise blocks (Bowness House, Hillbeck Close, Heversham House and Kentmere House) in accordance with a phased approach and via negotiation, with compensation and disturbance payable in line with compulsory purchase compensation rules be approved. 

5.  That the serving of demolition notices in order to suspend qualifying tenants from exercising their Right to Buy (RTB) their homes for a period of up to 7 years be approved.

6.  That it be agreed that every council tenanted household subject to demolition, will be offered a replacement council home on the Tustin Estate.

7.  That the re-housing of all secure tenants remaining in the low-rise blocks (Bowness House, Hillbeck Close, Heversham House and Kentmere House) in accordance with the re-housing strategy in paragraphs 50 to 74 to enable vacant possession of the blocks in order that the delivery of the proposed redevelopment of the Tustin Estate can proceed be approved.

8.  That a dedicated Tustin Estate local lettings policy be agreed post securing planning consent and will be based on the principles outlined in the Tustin Estate Landlord Offer Document and the criteria outlined in the re-housing strategy and paragraphs 50 to 74 of the report of the re-housing strategy outlined in the report.

9.  That it be agreed that every resident leaseholder subject to demolition, who has been living on the estate for 12 months prior to the March 2021 resident ballot will be offered the opportunity to purchase a replacement home on the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14