Issue - meetings

B Report of Director of Housing (Copy herewith)

Cabinet approved the disposal of Robinson House to Registered Social Landlord (RSL) partner Orbit Homes.

Cabinet authorised the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and the Borough Solicitor, to agree the heads of terms, the terms of lease and to effect the disposal.  

Councillor Clarke commented that he was delighted that the site of Robinson House was coming back into use. The Administration had said that the building was not fit for use but following a Call-in had had to backtrack. He was pleased that the residents of the area were pleased to have been involved and hoped that Orbit would manage it better than the Council had done.

Councillor welcomed the report that had taken a long time to reach this stage. The residents and Residents Association were pleased to have been involved and were happy with the proposal for 2 and 3 bed homes for rent and shared ownership.

Councillor Beardsworth, as the relevant Portfolio Holder, submitted a report that set out the results of the “Design and Finance” competition and proposed the transfer of Robinson House to an RSL. She noted that this was an example of looking at different ways of supplying new homes in the challenging economic climate. A local resident had chaired the panel that had chosen the RSLs to proceed with and one of the Ward Councillors had also been on the panel. This demonstrated good public involvement. It was also the first test of the RSL Framework and eight from the approved list had responded to this project. It was noted that Robinson House would be demolished and that the new homes would be built to sustainable level 4.  

RESOLVED:       1. That the disposal of Robinson House to Registered Social Landlord (RSL) partner Orbit Homes be approved.

                            2. That the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and the Borough Solicitor, be authorised to agree the heads of terms, the terms of lease and to effect the disposal.