Issue - items at meetings - New Homes for Neighbourhoods Victoria Road Scheme Update

Resolved:

2.1      That the latest Order of Costs for the Housing and Sports Pavilion scheme is noted; and

2.2      That the additional budget of £2.600m is approved in principle (subject to confirmation from Policy & Resources Committee) to ensure the construction of the Sports Pavilion and Housing Scheme goes ahead as soon as practically possible.

76.1          The Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director for Housing, Neighbourhoods & Communities concerning the increase in costs for the construction of the Sports Pavilion and Housing Schemes above the original budget approved by Housing Committee on 14 November 2018 and by Policy, Resources & Growth Committee on 6 December 2018.

76.2          The report was introduced by the Project Manager.

76.3          Councillor Atkinson hoped that the committee would see this as a ‘win-win’ situation with energy efficient heat pumps giving the scheme high sustainability. Although costly at the construction stage, savings would be made later. Councillor Atkinson asked the committee to support the recommendations.

76.4          Councillor Hugh-Jones felt that savings would be made with the steel frame and construction time reductions. The project was considered inspiring. The Councillor has been assured that a clerk of works will be appointed to oversee the project with the BHCC architect. The Lead City Regeneration Programme Manager noted that the PV energy producing figures were not available but were likely to be similar to other comparable schemes.

76.5          Councillor Mears expressed concerns having noted that in the past other schemes had incurred extra costs later on following fault finding in under floor heating, lifts etc. The Councillor expressed concerns that the report on the Pankhurst Road fire has not been seen before committing to more community housing. The Assistant Housing Director stated that the report will be brought to the next meeting in June 2020. Councillor Mears noted that the light gauge steel frame superstructure will leading to possible savings however the amount of reduction in total scheme costs cannot be quantified and the committee should not be asked for more money if this is not known.

76.6          Councillor Wares was informed by the Estate Regeneration Project Manager that the Executive Urgency powers were used by the previous Executive Director to acquire the sports pavilion in November 2019.

Debate

76.7          Councillor Gibson commented that the scheme was fantastic and as building costs are on the rise it needs to be got on with. Councillor Gibson supported the scheme of 42 much needed housing units.

76.8          Councillor Wares applauded the approach to providing more homes but did not agree with the costings as the cost increases have not been quantified. The Councillor did not feel the committee should make decisions on unknowns. It was noted that 4 terrace homes will be lost to the scheme and they calculated that the costs of building were 50% more expensive than buying properties in Portslade. Councillor Wares felt the scheme was too expensive and did not support the item.

76.9          Councillor Hugh-Jones commented that retrospective fitting is in general more expensive than making homes more energy efficient when they are built.

76.10       Councillor Gibson noted that the costs of property were very important. Buying was cheaper to start with but building ensured properties were available for housing needs.

76.11       Councillor Wares declared he was a Chartered Building Surveyor and understood all the issues and noted that business cases can change along the way but did not approve of throwing more money at the scheme.

76.12       Councillor Gibson stated their support for the scheme and noted the Housing Members Supply Board support for the council homes and community buildings.

76.13       Councillor Hugh-Jones felt the landscaping would benefit residents and possibly reduce costs to health services in the future.

Resolved:

2.1      That the latest Order of Costs for the Housing and Sports Pavilion scheme is noted; and

2.2      That the additional budget of £2.600m is approved in principle (subject to confirmation from Policy & Resources Committee) to ensure the construction of the Sports Pavilion and Housing Scheme goes ahead as soon as practically possible.