Decision details

To approve the renovation of three empty properties owned by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in Crescent Road in order to provide six self contained flats for people recovering from rough sleeping.

Notice is hereby given that the Cabinet of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council intends to make a Key Decision in respect of the following matter with less than the 28 days’ notice required by Regulation 9 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 as compliance is impractical for the reasons as set in the attached document. Furthermore, notice is hereby given that prior notice of the same has been given to the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED –

1. That the renovation of three empty properties owned by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to provide six self contained flats for people recovering from rough sleeping be approved.
2. That a Capital Budget of £515k funded through Homes England Grant funding of £205k and £310k of s106 commuted sums be approved.
3. That the release £310k of s106 commuted sums that were received by the Council from the Homeopathic Hospital Site be approved.
4. That the Head of Housing, Health and Environment and the Head of Economic Development and Property in consultation with the Director of Change and Communities,  the Portfolio Holder for Communities and Wellbeing and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Governance be authorised to submit a full planning application and any other associated planning/ building applications required, invite competitive tenders for the refurbishment works, accept a tender and oversee the works to completion and to enter into such deeds and agreements arising from or ancillary to the legal formalities referred to in this recommendation be approved.
5. That the surrender of the lease from Tunbridge Wells Property Holdings Limited to the Council for 32 Crescent Road be approved.  That the Head of Economic Development and Property  in consultation with the s151 officer , the Monitoring Officer and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Governance be delegated to carry out all the necessary negotiations, legal processes and legal documentation to complete these refurbishment works and subsequent leasing of the refurbished units..
6. That the Head of Mid Kent Legal Services be authorised to negotiate and complete all necessary deeds and agreements arising from or ancillary to the funding agreement with Homes England, application for planning permission, tenders, refurbishment and other legal formalities referred to in these recommendations and the occupation of the six units on terms agreed by the Head of Housing, Health and Environment and the Head of Economic Development and Property.

REASON FOR DECISION: To provide six long term homes that can be used for former rough sleepers which would help TWBC meet its commitment to end rough sleeping in the Borough.

CALL-IN AND URGENCY

In accordance with the provisions Of Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 14 in Part 4 of the Constitution, the Chairman of Overview and Scrutiny gave prior agreement that this decision was urgent and would not be subject to call-in as delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s or the public’s interest.