Decision details

To enter into contract with a contractor to undertake demolition of existing homes and delivery of 26 new homes and associated works across five sites with relevant delegations to officers.

To recommend to Council approval of additional budget from reserves.

The Executive RESOLVED to:

i.        enter into a contract with the preferred contractor Feltham Construction Limited for the delivery of the works.

ii.       give delegated authority to the Executive Head of Legal and Democratic Services to approve the final form of any legal agreements and to Strategic Director (Place) to enter into the JCT Contract.

iii.      give delegated authority to the Strategic Director (Place) to approve pre contract agreements with the preferred contractor to enable the development of the project and authorise spend in accordance with the budget.

iv.      give delegated authority to the Strategic Director (Place) to enter into any related contractual documentation (including collateral warranties or agreements) relating to the project.

v.       give delegated authority to the Strategic Director (Place) to enter into any ancillary agreements related to the project provided that these are within the project budget.

vi.      approve the sale of five shared ownership homes to be delivered on the Chiddingfold sites with the Executive Head of Housing Services in consultation with Co-Portfolio Holders for Housing (Delivery, and Operations) authorised to approve the final terms of such sales having regard to market value; and the Executive Head of Legal and Democratic Services authorised to approve the final form of the sale agreements and any ancillary related legal agreements.

vii.     give delegated authority to the Executive Head of Housing Services in consultation with the Co-Portfolio Holders for Housing (Delivery, and Operations) to approve the future sale of percentage shares.

The Executive further RESOLVED to recommend to Council that an allocation of an additional £402,332 budget from reserves is approved.

Reasons for the decisions:

1.       The Executive and Full Council have previously approved the Business Cases for each of the five sites and the recommended authority is required to enter into the contract with a build contractor and approve additional budget to facilitate delivery of the new homes on these sites through one JCT Design and Build Contract. Through delivery of the project there may be a requirement to enter into project related contractual documents or ancillary agreements.

2.       The Waverley Corporate Strategy 2020-2025 sets out the Vision and Strategic Priorities for the Council. One of the strategic priorities is to ‘provide good quality housing for all income levels.’

3.       Build More, Build Better, Build for Life Affordable Homes Delivery Strategy 2022 – 2025 sets out the Council’s commitment to build homes to buy or rent for households from all income levels. The strategy has been supported by evidence studies including the Waverley Housing Affordability Study 2021.

4.       Delivery of 26 homes at Chiddingfold including five shared ownership homes meets these priorities and commitment

[Overview and Scrutiny Committee – Resources]