Decision details

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Resources) which provided detail on development proposals for St Leonards House and sought a decision to proceed to the next stage of the process, ahead of which the building was to be closed.  The report was exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3, 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 Hamilton-Cox proposed, seconded by Councillor Leytham:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)                    That the proposals proceed to ‘Stage 2’, to develop fully the appraisal for the proposed redevelopment of St. Leonard’s House as student/young worker accommodation as per Option 2 of the exempt report.

(2)                    That Cabinet acknowledges that the current operation of St. Leonard’s House is unviable and therefore approves that the building should be closed, decommissioned and secured in a managed way, as set out in the exempt report.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer (Resources)

Reasons for making the decision:

St Leonard’s House has long been recognised as a liability rather than an asset to the Council and this development proposal looks to address this, along with pursuing wider benefits including the regeneration potential and freeing up homes to the housing supply chain.  The proposal aims to help achieve the targets within the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy, whilst supporting current corporate priorities in connection with Economic Growth and Health and Wellbeing (Housing).