Minutes:
Councillor Johnson introduced
the report and stated that it presented a clear, forward approach.
He highlighted that in March 2019 the communal entryways had been
examined and the team had found that 40 properties in Alexandra
Court did not meet current standards, and this had hampered
remedial works due to take place. He stated that three options had
been presented in the 2019 report, and had concluded that even with
renovation works, some flats would still not have suitable access,
and the need to move residents would still occur. He stated that
the report had been to Housing Overview and Scrutiny who had been
reassured that services would not be withdrawn until all residents
had left the premises. Councillor Johnson stated that all residents
would be part of the Local Lettings Plan, and would receive
priority for the Beaconsfield Place development, which was only
400m away from their current properties. He stated that if
residents did not wish to move to Beaconsfield Place then they
would receive the highest priority on the Council’s waiting
list. He added that each resident would also receive a dedicated
officer who would support them through all aspects of the moving
process. He stated that the team had undertaken detailed
consultation with the residents and Ward Councillors, and feedback
had been included within the report. Councillor Johnson summarised
and stated that once all the flats had been voided, the site would
be considered for temporary accommodation or for redevelopment
through the housing delivery approach.
Councillor Mayes stated that as local Ward Councillor for the area,
he was pleased to see the report brought before Cabinet, and had
provided his feedback on the report. He stated that he had visited
the site and accessibility for residents had not been great, but
highlighted that all residents he had spoken to were happy to move
to the new development.
Councillor Hebb highlighted point 4.2 of the report and felt that
it would be good if the site was considered for temporary
accommodation, as Thurrock lacked this facility. He stated that the
consultation appeared to be very detailed, and 36 out of 40
residents had been contacted in some way, even during the pandemic.
He also felt it was good to see 71% of residents wished to move to
the new development, and hoped all residents would feel supported
during this transition.
The Leader summarised and thanked the housing team and Councillor
Johnson for the report. He felt that Alexandra Court was an old
building, and although it had been ahead of its time when built, it
was now out-dated. He stated that the new development would include
indoor communal spaces, outdoor gardens, and new innovations such
as a mobility scooter storage area, which would benefit the
residents.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet:
1. Approved the proposal to decommission
the Sheltered Housing properties at Alexandra Road and Dunlop Road
in Tilbury.
2. Noted and commented on the proposal to implement a local
lettings plan for the new housing development for older people at
Calcutta Road, which gives priority to tenants affects by the above
proposed decommissioning.
Supporting documents: