The Head of Regeneration and Assets presented the report to Members explaining the following:

·         A number of reports had been received by Cabinet, outlining the work being undertaken to explore the potential to bring forward the regeneration of the Borough’s key housing estates;

·         It was proposed that the overall objective of the estate regeneration programme should be to broaden and increase the range, quality and quantity of affordable housing for existing and new residents;

·         The programme also planned to support the provision of the facilities and services necessary to support growing communities.

Officers stated that discussions were focused on the opportunities available in the borough and to assist with the programme 11 principles has been collated, theses were stated within the report.

Councillor Pothecary enquired if lessons had been learnt from the previous discussions with local people in respect of Seabrooke Rise. The Head of Regeneration and Assets explained that the main learning point to emerge from that work was on the timing of local engagement. In the previous work there had been an understandable desire to engage with local people at the earliest possible point to give them the opportunity to shape any proposals for their estate. However, engaging so early meant that the Council had been unable to answer residents’ immediate questions which, alongside the Council’s lack of a track record in estate regeneration, gave rise to significant concerns about the motivation for the proposals.

He continued to explain that the work now being undertaken, including the preparation of the principles contained within the report, was intended to provide a much more rounded understanding of the issues, opportunities and challenges to any estate regeneration programme. Over the coming months, the service and housing needs would be assessed and proposals developed which could be assessed for financial viability before any engagement activity was undertaken. Whilst it was acknowledged that this could result in abortive work in the very likely event that the plans were changed through discussions with residents it did mean that there would be a clear base position and the Council would be able to commit to particular proposals in response to likely questions and challenges.

During discussions it was raised that figures showed there was a need for more, smaller properties (i.e. one and two bedroom homes). It was discussed that, if possible, Officers wanted to use the estate regeneration programme to address service needs as well as providing new homes and so include provision for GP surgeries, nurseries and schools. 

In reviewing the proposal to offer Hogg Lane South to Gloriana for consideration as a development site, Members stated that it was fundamental to take school places into account when looking at the programme. It was commented that schools in the area were not expanding and with a limited number of school places available to children already in the borough the development of the site could  cause a further impact on schools. The Head of Regeneration and Assets notified the Committee if a site became available with space to include a primary school the Council could apply for Section 106 contribution for education.

RESOLVED that the Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee:

1.    Note the progress of Housing Development and Estate Regeneration Programmes;

2.    Consider and comment upon the emerging principles which would underpin any future Estate Regeneration Programme; and

3.    Consider the proposal to offer the Hogg Lane South site as a development opportunity for Gloriana in advance of a future report to Cabinet.