Issue - meetings

The Sub-Committee is asked to:

1.    Authorise Benwell House Phase 2 project to proceed to determination by the Planning Committee meeting at the earliest opportunity.

2.    Note that Assets will finalise terms and identify a preferred contractor and  hen make recommendations for approval to the Development Sub-Committee, the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee and Full Council.

Reason for exemption

This report contains exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006 Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because, disclosure to the public would prejudice the financial position of the authority in the bidding process for the site/services by allowing other bidders to know the position of the Council.  This in turn prejudices the Council by (i) distorting the bids process and (ii) prejudicing the opportunity for the Council to acquire a site/services in order to enable regeneration in the Borough.

The first part of this item was discussed in an open public forum.

Councillor Nichols expressed concern over this development stating that it was too tall, of too high density and was not in keeping with the street scene. He stated that the public did not want this development and that a number of objections had been logged on the Planning Portal. He advised that he wanted to see what the objectives were for this scheme and a financial analysis and therefore requested that the development be deferred until these could be provided.

The Committee were advised that this development would provide affordable housing for residents and that 13 of the units would be subject to a Section 106 agreement that would reduce the number of families on the housing waiting list.

It was proposed by Councillor Harvey and seconded by Councillor Smith-Ainsley to move this item into a private session to be able to discuss the commercially sensitive information within the report.

The Committee resolved to:

1)    authorise Benwell House Phase 2 project to proceed to determination by the Planning Committee meeting at the earliest opportunity, and

2)    to note that Assets will finalise terms and identify a preferred contractor and then make recommendations for approval to the Development Sub-Committee, the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee and Full Council.

The Sub-Committee is asked to:

1.    Authorise Benwell House Phase 2 project to proceed to determination by the Planning Committee meeting at the earliest opportunity.

2.    Note that Assets will finalise terms and identify a preferred contractor and  hen make recommendations for approval to the Development Sub-Committee, the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee and Full Council.

Reason for exemption

This report contains exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006 Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because, disclosure to the public would prejudice the financial position of the authority in the bidding process for the site/services by allowing other bidders to know the position of the Council.  This in turn prejudices the Council by (i) distorting the bids process and (ii) prejudicing the opportunity for the Council to acquire a site/services in order to enable regeneration in the Borough.

The Committee agreed to defer this item to the next meeting on 09 August 2021.

Councillor J. McIlroy

To consider an exempt report and make a recommendation to Council on an increase in the spend for construction works to provide an additional 34 residential units and community space on the ground floor.

Reason for exemption

This report contains exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006 Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because, disclosure to the public would prejudice the financial position of the authority in obtaining best value and agreeing final contract terms with the preferred bidder. If the underbidders bids were to become public knowledge then this may put the Council in a position where they are vulnerable to a renegotiation with the preferred bidder.

Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

Cabinet considered an exempt report on the construction costs for Ceaser Court Phase 2, Sunbury-on-Thames.

Alternative options considered and rejected by the Cabinet:

·         Delay works

·         Do nothing

Resolved to:

1.    Recommend to Council to approve the increase in spend for the construction works from £13.3m to £18.913m (cost for both Phases I and II). This increase delivers an extra 34 residential units and community space on the ground floor;

2.    Authorise the Group Head of Corporate Governance to enter into any legal documentation necessary to implement this construction project; and

3.    Approve the appointment of the contractor to undertake these works as contained in this report,

subject to officers providing some additional information and technical clarification within the report, with such information being provided to the Leader and Deputy Leader prior to publication for Council on 22 October 2020.

Reasons for Decision

·         To facilitate the development of much needed rental and affordable housing in the Borough. The scheme provides a total of 36 apartments and will contribute a minimum of 8 affordable units (subject to planning). There is clear intention to provide further affordable units, once technical planning viability negotiations have been completed.

·         The ground floor will provide a new community facility.

·         To increase the provision of well managed rental properties within the Borough .

·         To provide a long term income stream for the Council.