Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Housing Services

It has been agreed:

1.      To transfer the southern section of the Maple Buildings site, (as edged in red on drawing DO2 revision J, in Appendix 2 of the report) to Midland Heart Ltd. Housing Association (MHHA) at a nominal charge, on a long leasehold basis, upon NBC achieving vacant possession of the site and subject to the necessary Social Housing Grant being approved by the Homes and Community Agency (HCA).

2.      That vacant possession notices be issued to the existing commercial tenants.

3.      To delegate authority to the Director of Housing and the Borough Solicitor   to complete the detail of the legal arrangements between Midland Heart Ltd and the council.

4.      That the northern part of the site, (as edged in blue on drawing as     included in Appendix 3 of the report) be retained by the Council for an alternative use.

5.      That the Director of Housing will oversee progress on the next stage of the project as detailed in the Project Implementation Plan.

As Portfolio Holder for Housing, Councillor Beardsworth presented the report to Cabinet asking them to approve further work in accordance with the Project Implementation Plan, including the transfer of the building at a nominal charge on a long leasehold basis.

Referring to the building itself, Councillor Beardsworth explained that the eco-friendly features and high specification design made this project one of strategic and local importance. The Homes and Community Agency (HCA) had challenged the Council to upgrade the features to achieve an ‘excellent’ status.  However, Councillor Woods suggested that any additional investment should be to help the people rather than to enhance the building.

Councillor Perkins asked if the alternative accommodation offered to the building’s current tenants had to be brought up to an appropriate standard and, if so, whether this was funded by the HCA.

Councillor Church appreciated the rationale of housing vulnerable people in high quality accommodation in order to raise their confidence and provide a good service for them.

It was made clear that the boxing club would not be affected in any way.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet agree:

1.      To transfer the southern section of the Maple Buildings site, (as edged in red on drawing DO2 revision J, in Appendix 2 of the report) to Midland Heart Ltd. Housing Association (MHHA) at a nominal charge, on a long leasehold basis, upon NBC achieving vacant possession of the site and subject to the necessary Social Housing Grant being approved by the Homes and Community Agency (HCA).

2.      That vacant possession notices be issued to the existing commercial tenants.

3.      To delegate authority to the Director of Housing and the Borough Solicitor   to complete the detail of the legal arrangements between Midland Heart Ltd and the council.

4.      That the northern part of the site, (as edged in blue on drawing as     included in Appendix 3 of the report) be retained by the Council for an alternative use.

5.      That the Director of Housing will oversee progress on the next stage of the project as detailed in the Project Implementation Plan.