Issue - meetings

The report of the Director for Housing, Regeneration and Planning. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Council House Building, Placemaking, and Development.

Report to authorise the rehousing and leaseholder buy-backs at Stapleford North on Broadwater Farm. Financial resource approval for leaseholder negotiations. Report follows previous authorisations in July 2021 and September 2021 and a Section 105 consultation with affected residents.

The Cabinet Member for Council House-Building, Placemaking, and Development introduced the report which in summary sought approval:

-       to the demolition of Stapleford North

-       to authorisation for rehousing Stapleford North residents (flats 25-36, 61-72)

-       to apply the Broadwater Farm Rehousing and Payments Policy (BWFRPP) to these residents for the purpose of the rehousing.

-       suspension of Right to Buy and the rehousing of tenants ahead of the demolition contract being procured.

-       acquisition of leasehold interests set out in the exempt Part B of the report to undertake buybacks from the leaseholders in this wing block; and to note that an estimated sum of £151,750 will be utilised in the rehousing all secure tenants.

It was noted that:

-       The Pre-tender estimates suggested that the demolition of Stapleford North would cost approximately £600,000.

-       This demolition would be dealt with in conjunction with the demolition of the Northolt block.

-       This decision was specifically about Stapleford North which was directly connected to the Northolt tower which was previously agreed by Cabinet in November 2018 for demolition following the discovery of significant structural issues and a statutory Section 105 consultation.

-       A separate report would be brought to Cabinet dealing with the procurement and costs of demolition once the procurement route had been agreed.

-       The report’s recommendations were in line with the process previously agreed by Cabinet in July and September 2021.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that these decision would enable the delivery of 294 brand new Council homes on the estate, including family homes along with huge public realm improvements.

She added that the Council had worked closely with the residents on Broadwater Farm Estate to take these transformational plans forward. It was noted that this had been an iterative process with plans continually updated according to discussions and input with residents.

This community engagement would continue to be followed. Close relationships were accumulated in the ballot , leading to a 55% approval of demolition and this was one of the next steps for the transformation of Broadwater Farm.

The following information was provided following a question from Cllr Isilar – Gosling about the 55% turnout on the ballot, to agree demolition, and what actions would be taken in future to increase turnout. The Cabinet Member responded as follows:

-       That this was not a low number considering most of the affected residents eligible to vote were not directly impacted by the scheme.

-       It was acknowledged that there were always lessons to be learnt. This was a  large consultation but lessons had been learnt as the consultation progressed.

-       Praised staff for their efforts in making this a good informative campaign about the demolition and transformation plans and ensuring that impacted residents were properly communicated with.

-       Activities had included: communications in several community languages, posters in the blocks, pop up events and discussions with residents showing them models of the scheme to ensure understanding. Officers had also been continually talking with residents about what  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10