Agenda item

Presentation by Head of Regeneration and Housing Support Services – Cheltenham Borough Homes

The Assistant Chief Executive and Head of Housing Support Services, Cheltenham Borough Homes, introduced a PowerPoint presentation (available on request from Democratic Services). 

The Assistant Chief Executive had come before the committee in the past and considered this to be a good news story. 

The process had been challenging for CBH as an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) of the Council, Housing Associations had done development but for an ALMO this was new ground.  The development was very much a partnership undertaking with the Council having provided Officer, financial and legal support. 

The urban design by Nash Partnership was developed into a large scale planning submission which was approved in December 2009 with no objections, which had been a pleasant surprise to all.

CBH undertook a tender exercise for the construction contract, in which residents were involved and subsequently, Wates Construction had been successful.  Wates had agreed to appoint a Tenant Liaison Officer and had a proven track record of developing communities.

The final plans had required a vast range of design and planning and large amount of community consultation, which had proved invaluable in ensuring that CBH took the community with them.  This in turn had resulted in there having been no protests or complaints to date.

A technicality in the process was the grant agreement with the HCA, for which complex legal arrangements had been necessary.  Collectively it equated to a large financial package which had been eased by the free transfer of land to CBH by CBC. 

Organising the necessary road closures was always going to be an issue and whilst these were still being negotiated, it was hoped that they would be finalised soon.  It was highlighted that no objections had been received. 

The Assistant Chief Executive outlined the 2011 programme of works.  He also detailed some of the outcomes that would be achieved, which included transformational improvements to the retained stock, which would be run as a separate contract by the same contractor. 

The committee were shown a computer image of what would be achieved and were reminded that the build would be at level 4 of sustainable homes standards, making them energy efficient and therefore more cost efficient for future residents.

The community regeneration aspect had been helped by the formation of the ‘Heart of St. Pauls Association’ and the ongoing success of the Community House on Folly Lane which was fully utilised by residents.  This would remain open until the purpose built facility was complete. 

Child poverty was an issue in the St. Pauls with levels of deprivation some of the highest in the Country.  To get some of these families actively involved in the project had required family liaison.

Employment Initiatives had been especially successful in combating anti-social behaviour in the area, one man in particular had secured work with a contractor following a period working for CBH.

A testament to the success in St. Pauls was that at one point there were large scale voids in the area, which was no longer the case.  In fact properties in St. Pauls were so in demand, there was a waiting list and this, before the development work had been done.  This would be the legacy of CBH.

CBH had been encouraged to enter the Inside Housing Awards, Regenerating Communities category and made it through to the last 6 finalists.  Unfortunately they didn’t win, but were highly commended for the community involvement elements and were very proud of the result. 

The Chairman thanked the Officers for their attendance and for what was a very encouraging update.  He reminded members that a debate about the future strategic direction of CBH was scheduled for the next meeting (9 May).

Councillors Driver and Walkett, as members of the CBH Board commended the organisation for their incredible work and personally thanked the two Officers.

The Assistant Chief Executive, CBH, thanked members for their kind words and reiterated that it was a partnership endeavour which had required immense input from Councillors and Officers of CBC and would continue to do so in the future.