Agenda item

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 Tustin Estate with the option to purchase an affordable intermediate home (shared equity, equity loan, shared ownership) or a council tenancy where appropriate and subject to a financial review.

10.  That it be agreed that every housing register applicant living on the Tustin, who has been on the council’s housing waiting list 12 months prior to the March 2021 resident ballot will be offered a replacement council home on the Tustin Estate.

11.  That 100% of new hidden homes in the Tustin towers be made available to existing residents of Tustin Estate, with priority status given to those living in Hillbeck Close and those with a need for a garden.

12.  That 100% of new build council homes on the estate be made available to eligible residents in blocks demolished by the re-development and those on the housing waiting list who we have a commitment to as set out in the Tustin Estate Landlord Offer Document. Those in blocks due to be demolished will be given priority.

13.  That a ‘one-move’ approach to minimise disruption to residents except where residents request ‘two-moves’ to  preserve their existing arrangements ie. to move back to the site of their original home, or to enjoy a garden if they currently have one or to move to the Over 55’s block if this is their preference be approved.

14.  That the re-housing of residents in Hillbeck to commence in August 2021 be approved and that the re-housing strategy described in paragraphs 50 to 88 of the report be applied.

15.  That the formal consultation undertaken with affected tenants, homeowners and the wider estate community throughout the process be noted.

16.  That the detailed commitment to support affected vulnerable residents throughout the project be noted.

17.  That outcome of an equalities and health impact assessment summarised within paragraph 125 of the report be noted.

Decisions of the Leader of the Council

18.  That approval of compensation packages for the acquisition of individual leasehold interests be delegated to the director of planning and growth in consultation with the strategic director of housing and modernisation.

19.  That approval of the Tustin Estate Local Lettings Strategy be delegated to the cabinet member for council housing and homelessness.