Councillor Spillman introduced the report and stated that it proposed to demolish the three high-rise towers in Blackshots, decant residents and plan new developments. He felt that the Blackshots towers were not fit for residents to live in, and thanked Councillors Redsell and Maney for their hard work as Ward Members.

Councillor Redsell thanked Cabinet for their report, but felt concerned that the new development would use greenbelt land, that would not be replaced in the Blackshots area. She highlighted that many of the flats in the high-rises were blighted with damp and mould, and felt pleased to see the issue would be dealt with through demolition and development. Councillor Spillman thanked Councillor Worrall for her work on this issue as Shadow Portfolio Holder. He added that a small parcel of greenbelt land may be needed for the new development as it would have a wider footprint than the existing tower blocks, but the design team would be instructed to try and avoid this wherever possible. He explained that input would be needed from residents, Ward Members and the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee when the development reached the design stage. He added that it may be a difficult process, as a small number of the flats were leasehold, but this report marked the start of the process towards demolition. He summarised and stated that the commissioners had been included throughout, and although the full sum of money had not yet been agreed, the team would continue to work with commissioners on this project.

Councillor Abbas thanked the Portfolio Holder and officers for the report, and supported the recommendations. He stated that he had received emails from residents within the blocks who also supported the proposed demolition, decant and new development. Councillor Maney agreed with the recommendations and felt it was an ambitious project. He stated that there were ongoing issues with the greenbelt and memorial playing field, but officers were working through these issues. The Leader agreed that it was ambitious, but felt it would provide good value for money and would help residents in the high-rises.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

Approved:

1. The proposed site area for developing proposals for the future of the Blackshots estate.

2. Commencement of decanting residents from these properties and the treatment of these residents in line with the Council’s allocations policy.

3. Payment of home loss and disturbance payments as appropriate.

4. Commencement of negotiation with leaseholders for the repurchase of properties with approval to complete purchase delegated to the Corporate Director Adults, Housing and Health and Chief Financial Officer, in consultation with the Director of Place and the Portfolio Holders for Finance, Housing and Growth.

5. Subject to further Cabinet approval the use of Compulsory Purchase Powers under s26 Town and Country Planning Act 1990 should this become necessary.

6. In view of the decant and leasehold repurchase decisions, no dwellings within these three blocks shall be re-let.

7. Service of a demolition notice under Section 138B and Schedule 5A of the Housing Act 1985 which will confirm the Council’s intention to demolish the buildings and suspend the obligation on the Council to complete right to buy applications on the three tower blocks in question.

8. Approval to negotiate and settle any statutory compensation claims made by residents as a result of the service of the Initial Demolition Notice delegated as at paragraph 4 above.

9. Establishment of a budget of £2.7m to meet the costs of purchase of leasehold interests.

10. Agreed to receive a report in December 2023 to consider the full Business Case for redevelopment of the site and determine the most appropriate financial option at that time.

11. Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee requested that regular public reports are made on project milestones (including slippage factors) and requested officers to confirm what member-led mechanisms will be used to review the adherence to the plan.

Reason for decision: as outlined in the report
This decision is subject to call-in

Councillor Redsell left the meeting at 7.50pm.