Issue - meetings

The Panel has invited representatives from CBC to help inform their investigation.

Crawley Homes, as part of Crawley Borough Council is the town's largest landlord.  The Council also has a number of legal responsibilities towards residents in the private housing sector.  The Council works with developers, landowners and residents to guide and facilitate new development, and works on projects in order to create both a high quality environment and a high quality of life. 

Both Karen Dodds (Head of Crawley Homes – CBC) and Russell Allison (Housing Enabling & Development Manager - CBC) have been invited to offer views from a strategic perspective on the residential and domestic properties achieving a low-carbon footprint and to understand the challenges the services face – now and in the future, together with the provision of support currently being provided.  The Panel is asked to consider the attached report as part of these discussions.

Councillor Ian Irvine has also been invited as the Cabinet Member for Housing.

Whilst the individuals named above identifies those witnesses anticipated to speak at the meeting, this may change subject to availability and, at the discretion of the Chair. Further witnesses may be called in addition or instead of those listed above should they be unavailable.

The Chair provided some background information on the Panel and then witnesses were asked for their views on residential/domestic buildings operating environmentally sustainable facilities within the town achieving a low-carbon future, together with understanding the challenges faced – now and in the future.

Crawley Homes, as part of Crawley Borough Council is the town's largest landlord.  The Council also has a number of legal responsibilities towards residents in the private housing sector.  The Council works with developers, landowners and residents to guide and facilitate new development, and works on projects in order to create both a high quality environment and a high quality of life. 

Karen Dodds (Head of Crawley Homes), Russell Allison (Housing Enabling and Development Manager), Alan Moore (Mechanical and Electrical Surveyor) and Councillor Irvine updated the Panel that:

·         Crawley Homes was currently working towards the Government’s target of carbon neutral homes by 2050.

·         There was a programme of loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and external wall installation to improve the energy performance of homes and in particular to address aspects of fuel poverty.  Work had been undertaken since 2012 which had included a retrofit programme to reduce energy output in homes.

·         Different approaches and technology worked for existing properties and new builds.  It was important to identify the best solution and approach to ensure homes were future proof.

·         It was important to understand how residents live and how best to use the technology to evaluate the ideal solution.

Panel Members raised a number of queries. The issues raised and the key responses included:

·         Confirmation that smart meters were currently only being installed on void properties due to a current shortage. However at the DHN sites, these were automatically fitted with smart meters.

·         Acknowledgement that historically a programme had been completed around insulation.  Now a timetable was in place to complete those sites where previously access was unobtainable, there was an option to install deeper insulation for leaseholder flats where grants were available. 

·         There had been significant improvements in performance of cavity wall insulation but it was noted that whilst this had benefits for properties and energy efficiency this could become costly for leaseholders. 

·         Some homes may require extensive maintenance to ensure they maintain a fit for habitation status. All options needed to be considered in order to provide higher energy efficient standard, including retrofitting or potential regeneration to improve dwelling density and ensure homes were fit for future generations. Feasibility study appraisals would be undertaken when required.

·         Confirmation that with regards to the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging points within future developments these were reviewed as part of the new build specifications and would also form part of any regeneration. It was noted that quite often EV points fall out of the Crawley Homes remit, and were being planned as part of the current West Sussex wide EV Charging Network project.  However with the increase in town centre housing locations offering limited parking spaces it was felt that car clubs may provide alternative provision. 

·         Acknowledgement  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3