Decision details

To appoint Sustainability Building Services as the contractor to renovate and improve the external fabric of the Cornish type properties at Elmfield Avenue & Midwinter Avenue, Cheltenham.

Cornish type properties were built after the 2nd World War using a non traditional form of construction.  In the mid 1980’s they were classified as defective due to potential defects within the pre-cast reinforced concrete elements which form the external ground floor walls.  The concrete elements in CBC’s Cornish type properties have been affected by such ongoing deterioration and repair is now necessary.

The properties are also in need of new roof coverings, replacement windows and doors as these have, or are nearing the end of their design life and are becoming costly and difficult to maintain.

The works will enable the properties to achieve the Government’s Decent Homes Standard.

The properties are poorly insulated and the works will make them significantly better insulated through improved roof insulation, thermally efficient windows and doors, and the installation of non-combustible external wall insulation.

·         Continued maintenance: rejected because many elements have reached the end of their design life and ongoing repair is not practical or economical.

·         Renovate including the removal of pre-cast reinforced concrete elements: rejected as this is a more expensive option whilst it makes the properties mortgage able, this is not a requirement.   

·         Re-development: rejected due to the properties being interspersed with a large number of private properties.

·         Curtins Consulting engineers have periodically inspected the concrete elements and have recorded ongoing deterioration.  They assisted with the option appraisal process and the preparation of the specified works. 

·         The options were reviewed with the Asset Management Working Group where the proposed works for approval was accepted as the preferred option.

·         Leaseholders have been consulted in accordance with the Common hold & Leasehold Reform Act 2002.

·         Councillor Brownsteen and Councillor Jefferies have been given project updates and are supportive of the plan.

·         With structural engineers, Curtins Consulting

·         With the Asset Management Working Group

·         With leaseholders

·         With Councillors