Issue - meetings

The Committee is referred to the report published on the agenda for the Executive meeting on 9 January 2024 for comment and to make any recommendations to the Executive.

69.1     The Housing Delivery Manager introduced the report, noting that planning approval for four sustainable, affordable homes was obtained in September 2021. The report seeks approval for the demolition of the existing building, a former community centre that also included some staff accommodation, to keep the consent in force before submitting a full business case. Additionally, approval was sought for a £120k budget allocation to commission consultants and a demolition contractor for conditions discharge.

69.2     The Housing Delivery Manager noted that the demolition would remove current council tax, business rates, and utility liabilities for the vacant building, and clarified that that long-term plans involve combining the Parkers Fields site with the neighbouring Crossway Close site to provide greater value for money given the larger scale of delivering two developments together. This is subject to approval of business cases for both sites.

69.3     Members inquired about the scheme's implementation and whether the density had been considered. It was clarified that planning officers had been clear on the density and massing of the site during the consent process, and noted that the local ward member supported the scheme during the Executive presentation.

The Committee RESOLVED to support the recommendations set out in the report.

The Executive are recommended to make the resolutions set out in the report

at agenda item 9.

Co-Portfolio Holder for Housing (Delivery)

The Executive RESOLVED to approve:

     I.        The demolition of the existing Community Room with a First Floor Flat and garage together with works associated with implementation of the planning consent in advance of submission of a full business case for the scheme.

    II.        The allocation of an £120k budget from reserves to commission consultant services and demolition contractor to demolish the existing property and associated works to implement the planning consent. This budget allocation will be included within financial viability appraisal that will accompany the business case and full project budget request for the new build scheme when it is bought forward.

  III.        To delegate authority to the Executive Head of Legal and Democratic Services to approve the final form of any legal agreements associated the demolition of existing property and implementation of the planning permission.

  IV.        To delegate authority to the Strategic Director (Place) to enter into any related contractual documentation relating to this stage of this project.

   V.        To delegate authority to the Strategic Director (Place) to enter into any ancillary agreements related to the project provided that these are within the allocated budget.

Councillor Palmer introduced the report which sought approval of the demolition of an underused Community Room in Churt with a first floor flat and garage; and works associated with implementation of planning consent. The demolition approval would be ahead of an approval for a full business case to deliver a development of 4 sustainable homes to meet local housing need.

Councillor Munro, in attendance as a Visiting Ward Member, concurred that the Community Room had not been in use for some time and expressed his support for the recommendations, together with the provision of visitor parking.

There being no further discussion, the Executive RESOLVED to approve:

1.    The demolition of the existing Community Room with a First Floor Flat and garage together with works associated with implementation of the planning consent in advance of submission of a full business case for the scheme.

2.    The allocation of an £120k budget from reserves to commission consultant services and demolition contractor to demolish the existing property and associated works to implement the planning consent. This budget allocation will be included within financial viability appraisal that will accompany the business case and full project budget request for the new build scheme when it is bought forward.

3.    To delegate authority to the Executive Head of Legal and Democratic Services to approve the final form of any legal agreements associated the demolition of existing property and implementation of the planning permission.

4.    To delegate authority to the Strategic Director (Place) to enter into any related contractual documentation relating to this stage of this project.

5.    To delegate authority to the Strategic Director (Place) to enter into any ancillary agreements related to the project provided that these are within the allocated budget.

Reasons:

     I.        The existing community room has been vacant since 2019 when the lunch club moved to Quinettes. Planning consent was obtained in September 2021 and is due to lapse in September 2024. It is envisaged the site would be developed along with an adjacent site at Crossways Close which is currently undergoing planning revisions. To avoid losing the planning approval for Parkhurst Fields under lapsed time, it is proposed to progress with demolition and early stage works to implement the consent.

    II.        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.’

  III.        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.

  IV.        Demolition of the community room will keep the planning consent in force for the delivery of 4 new two bed sustainable homes in Churt with two parking bays for each property and 4 extra parking bays for visitors.