Decision details

1.      That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration:

         (i)         Approved formal Decant Status – for all secure tenants on the Ebury Bridge Estate.

         (ii)        Approved the implementation of the Policy for Tenants in Housing Renewal Areas across Ebury Bridge Estate.

         (iii)        Authorised the serving of Demolition Notices (initial and final) in accordance with the Housing Act 1985 to secure tenants on the Ebury Bridge Estate.

(iv)       Delegated to the Executive Director of Growth Planning and Housing, the authority to take all necessary steps to implement the policy and serve the Demolition Notices.

2.       Agreed to delegate the serving of the notices subject to the oversight and authority of the Executive Director of Growth, Planning and Housing to:

           (i)       Implement a process of serving Demotion Notices.

           (ii)      Ensure effective communications continue with secure tenants to support them through the process and provide detail for the reason the initial demolition notice are required.

(iii)           Continue to work with secure tenants to implement their rehousing choices – both temporary and permanently, off-site and inter-estate as appropriate.

           (iv)      Take all other steps as necessary.

3.        That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration noted that no new spending commitments arise from this report.

Reasons for Decisions

The drivers for decision making are:

(i)              To enable the Council to proceed with the redevelopment of the estate without incurring further costs or unanticipated programme delays.

(ii)             To support an accelerated vacant possession resulting in more new homes earlier.

(iii)            Provide a high-quality neighbourhood offering a ladder of opportunities for existing and new residents to live and work in the area.

(iv)          Acknowledge and take into consideration the views of existing residents and those waiting to return to provide a range of new homes as quickly as practicable.

(v)             To make best use of the Council’s assets in delivery of its objectives and relieving the pressure on the housing waiting list, especially family sized, lifetime homes.