Democracy in Crawley

How decisions are made and who represents you

Agenda item

Witness Sessions

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.

 

Minutes:

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 that the air source heat pumps that were installed as a trial were not a ‘one size fits all’ approach.  The Net Zero Collective initial study would look at current energy performance and data.  It would be important to ascertain the best fit for the each property type. It was noted that a full data study would be carried out in conjunction with Southampton university research team.  Volunteer tenants had been identified across a range of property age/construction types and survey equipment had been fitted.  It was estimated that full data would be available summer 2021 whereby it was anticipated that an efficiency plan could be developed.  There could also be the option to liaise with Crawley College to assist and train individuals to fit the technology, however funding would need to be made available.

·         Recognition that the eneriesprong whole house approach whilst effective was also costly, particularly for leaseholders.  It was noted that the funding was for Crawley Homes’ properties and tenants.

·         Confirmation that UPVC windows were currently still the best approach, although this was assessed regularly as part of the specification reviews. However they had been used for a long period due to the cost effectiveness and performance. There was a need to strike a balance between budget and value for money together with the environmental concerns and lack of maintenance required.

·         Whilst the Government’s current Green Homes Grant could not be utilised by Crawley Homes’ tenants, the council would identify any funding opportunities when they became available.

 

RESOLVED

 

That Panel Members thanked all attendees for their attendance and contribution.  The discussions had been informative and would aid the Panel in forming its recommendations.

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