The Executive RESOLVED that:
i. the buyback of one leasehold maisonette on best terms, legally required and reasonably obtainable and the use of the buyback reserve for this, together with any related professional costs and Stamp Duty Land Tax be approved
ii. the demolition of existing properties in advance of submission of a full planning application, to mitigate the risk associated with properties with significant movement due to subsidence be approved.
iii. delegated authority be given to the Executive Head of Housing in consultation with Executive Head of Finance (S151 Officer) to approve the final terms of the purchase.
iv. delegated authority be given to the Executive Head of Legal and Democratic Services to approve the final form of any legal agreements relating to purchase.
v. a £100k budget be allocated from reserves to commission consultant services and demolition contractor to demolish the existing properties and associated works. This budget allocation to be included within the financial viability appraisal that will accompany the business case for the new build scheme when it is bought forward later in the year.
vi. delegated authority be given to the Strategic Director (Place) to enter into any related contractual documentation relating to this demolition stage of this project.
vii. delegated authority be given to the Strategic Director (Place) to enter into any ancillary agreements related to the project provided that these are within the allocated budget.
Reason for the decision:
1. The homes on this site are not habitable and need to be demolished as they have been deemed dangerous structures under the Building Act 1984. Subject to the buyback of one leasehold maisonette, all the existing properties can be demolished, mitigating the risk of further movement and potential collapse.
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. Demolition of the existing homes will leave a clear site to facilitate the delivery of new affordable and sustainable homes at Downhurst Road, Ewhurst.
[Overview and Scrutiny Committee – Resources]