Decision details

To seek Cabinet approval of a scheme budget for the site's redevelopment, and authority to enter into a contract for the construction of 6no. dwellings.

Exempt Paragraph 3

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet:

a)             delegates authority to the Head of Crawley Homes and the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, for the appointment of a building contractor at the Tilgate Youth Centre site, using a suitable building contract following an appropriate procurement process, subject to planning permission being granted.

(Generic Delegation 3 will be used to enact this recommendation).

b)             delegates the negotiation, approval and completion of all relevant documentation, including legal paperwork, to the Head of Crawley Homes, in consultation with the Head of Governance, People and Performance and the Head of Corporate Finance.

(Generic Delegations 2 & 3 will be used to enact this recommendation).

That Full Council be recommended to approve the proposed scheme’s budget - stated under sections 6.7 and 6.12 within the report, which includes approving the appropriation of land from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account at a value of £175,000 (as identified in 7.5) - for the delivery of six affordable residential units (flats) at the Tilgate Youth Centre site, Shackleton Road

Reasons for Recommendations

a.        With its obligation to satisfy housing demand in the borough, and its statutory duty towards its residents that are in housing need - who cannot afford to buy or rent on the private market, the Council is required to pursue the development of new affordable housing in order to meet this demand.

b.        Despite the constraints which accompany the site, it is considered to be highly suitable for low-density residential development within a well-established neighbourhood setting. 

c.        If developed, the site would also become home to the Council’s third ‘own build’, fully certified Passivhaus scheme – joining the likes of previously delivered schemes at Gales Place, Three Bridges, and Dobbins Place, Ifield West, whilst maintaining the Council’s drive to reach (carbon emissions) net zero by 2040.

d.        In addition to the above, the introduction of further homes designed and built to Passivhaus standards will help drive up energy efficiency, while significantly lowering energy bills for occupants – many of whom may have experienced fuel poverty during previous tenancies.