Decision details

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning) to consider detailed proposals and authorise officers to progress Phase 2 of the Chatsworth Gardens Housing Scheme.  The report was exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3, of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the exempt report.

Councillor Hanson proposed, seconded by Councillor Clifford:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the exempt report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

 (1)     That Cabinet approves the preferred Option 2, tosecure an agreement with PlaceFirst for Phase 2 refurbishment of council owned properties on Chatsworth Gardens to deliver new homes for market rent.

(2)          That on the basis of the heads of terms outlined in the exempt report, and in conjunction with PlaceFirst, officers draw up final contract documentation for delivery of Phase 2.    

(3)          That the 21 site properties be disposed of simultaneously to PlaceFirst as set out in the exempt report.

(4)          That, subject to HCA lifting its charge on the properties, authority to sign the final legal agreements be delegated to the Interim Legal Services Manager.

(5)       That the Chief Officer (Resources) be authorised to update the General Fund Capital Programme and General Fund Revenue Budget as appropriate.

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning)

Chief Officer (Resources)

Interim Legal Services Manager

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision is consistent with the Corporate Plan and the vision for Morecambe and Heysham as a confident community with a regenerated living, working and leisure environment.  PlaceFirst’s proposals for Phase 2 represents the final part of a site-wide solution to Chatsworth Gardens which fulfils the City Council’s longstanding objectives for West End regeneration.  It is clear from the outturn of Phase 1 that the quality of both the development and management regime that PlaceFirst bring to their projects will ensure the Council’s regeneration objectives are finally realised.  The decision will allow officers to secure an agreement with PlaceFirst which both reduces the Council’s risk burden and secures a positive outcome with a high degree of certainty.