Verbal update
Minutes:
Cllr Ruth Gordon, the Cabinet Member for House Building, Place Making and Development, gave the Committee an update on key developments from within the areas of her portfolio that came within the terms of reference of the Committee:
· She reported that Covid government grants amounting to just under £92 million had been distributed by the Council to businesses in the borough. Home based businesses had not initially been entitled but this had now been rectified and, in addition, they would now be able to claim an allowance of £312 for property costs once the scheme reopened for applications;
· There had been a recent flood in Wood Green High Road that had caused damage to a number of businesses. Assistance had been provided for those affected by it; and
· A Good Economy Recovery Plan (GERP) had been launched by the Council last year in response to Covid pandemic and was intended to provide a road map for recovery for the local economy. It was informed by analysis of how the borough had been affected. 22,000 residents were employed within the borough and the pandemic had had a huge impact on them. The plans covered a range of issues including provision of outdoor seating and reduction of crime.
The business sector in the borough was dominated by small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and the plans reflected this. Further consideration was now being given to the overall strategy. In particular, what had worked well and what had not been successful were being considered.
In answer to a question, she reported that the Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel on 8 July would include discussion of plans for Wards Corner, Broadwater Farm and High Road West and relevant officers would be there to assist in answering questions. In respect of Wards Corner, a viability report by the developer had stated that the proposed development was no longer economically viable. As was the normal practice in such situations, the Council had commissioned its own independent assessment, which had now been completed. Discussions were taking place with traders on the future of the site. It was agreed that the Assistant Director for Regeneration and Economic Development would provide a written answer to a question from Councillor White regarding the progress with the implementation of the Fairness Commission recommendation on the incentivisation of payment of the London Living Wage.
In answer to a question regarding place making, she stated that regeneration could be perceived as a “top down” process. Place making focussed more on building communities and developing a sense of belonging. The intention was to develop genuine engagement with residents and ensure that their views were listened to ahead of plans being developed. She reported that the Council’s role in respect of Covid grants was to passport them to local businesses. They had been lobbied by some groups who had been excluded, such as home based businesses, and had responded to their concerns where able to.
In answer to a question about preserving green space, she stated that there was a balance to be struck. There were 10,000 people on the Council’s housing waiting list as well as 3,000 people in temporary accommodation. Where the Council was building new homes on land that it owned, there was a greater opportunity to influence development. There was a need for discussion with local people regarding the competing demands on land. In answer to another question regarding networks of town centre managers, she stated that these had been developed as well as peer support for businesses. In respect of the £720k entrepreneurship and business support grant, she did not have a breakdown of its use but officers would be able to provide this. It was noted that apprenticeships came within the portfolio of the Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Corporate Services.
Committee Members commented that there was a need for high speed broadband to be accessible across the borough. In addition, there was also a need to have a vision for how the borough might look like in the future.
In answer to a question, the Cabinet Member stated that she did not have the dates for when the independent viability study on the Wards Corner development was commissioned and received but would share them with the Committee following the meeting. In respect of a grant given by the Bridge Renewal Trust to assist with the development on the site, she stated that her understanding was that it was not required to be returned if the development did not go ahead but would establish whether this was the case and share this with the Committee. The viability study undertaken by the developer had stated that the scheme was no longer viable and the Council’s independent report had concurred with this. The future use of the site would be discussed with traders in order to establish their wishes before determining the way forward. In addition, engagement would take place with ward Councillors and the wider community. In respect of the purchase of homes by the Council from developers, she stated that her preference was for the Council to build its own homes on its own land and to its own specifications. However, she was happy to look at purchasing affordable homes from developers if it made financial sense. Each proposal would be considered on its own merits.
RESOLVED:
1. That the Assistant Director for Regeneration and Economic Development be requested to provided written responses on the following:
(a) Progress with the implementation of the Fairness Commission recommendation on the incentivisation of payment of the London Living Wage;
(b) A breakdown on the use of the £720k entrepreneurship and business support grant within the borough.
2. That the Cabinet Member for House Building, Place Making and Development be requested to update the Committee on:
(a) The dates that the independent viability study on the Wards Corner development was commissioned and received; and
(b) Whether the grant given by the Bridge Renewal Trust to assist with the development on the Wards Corner site will need to be returned should the development not proceed.