Agenda item - Approval to tender for a works contractor to build 17 homes at Tiverton Estate

Report of the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources (S151 Officer). To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Housing & Planning (Deputy Leader).

Declarations of interest for this item:

None

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the commencement of procurement exercise in accordance with Contract Standing Order (CSO) 2.01 b), for the selection of a contractor to deliver a new build development of 17 Council Homes at the site shown on the plan at Appendix 1 within Tiverton Estate, for an anticipated total contract and client contingency set out in the exempt Appendix 2 of this report.

2. Approved the procurement of the contract via London Construction Programme (LCP) – Housing Framework.

Reasons for decisions

The site known as open space in front of 24-96 Tiverton Road with the Tiverton Estate, was approved by Cabinet on 21^st January 2020 to be included in the Council’s Housing Delivery programme. A design and access plan, aimed to supporting a planning application for the redevelopment of the site is being prepared by appointed Architects. The scheme is scheduled to be considered for approval at Planning Committee in Autumn 2025.

Financial appraisals supported by the independent cost consultant demonstrate that the scheme is viable and value for money can be achieved via the procurement route detailed in Section 6.3 of this report.

The site proposal will provide 17 much-needed affordable homes on Council-owned land, including two M4(3) wheelchair homes and family homes, with associated refuse stores, cycle stores, service space, amenity space and landscaping. These 17 homes will contribute to our aspiration to build 3000 Council homes by 2031.

The Council’s Contract Standing Order item 2.01.b) requires Cabinet approval to commence a procurement exercise for proposed contracts valued £500k or above.

Alternative options considered

We could choose not to proceed to a competitive tender and develop this site for housing purposes. However, this option was rejected as it does not support the Council’s commitment to deliver a new generation of Council homes, with associated public realm improvements.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, and Deputy Leader of the Council introduced the report.

It was explained that the driving mission of the Council was to build a fairer and greener borough. It was explained that to address the situation, the Council was, with financial support from both the Mayor of London and the government, building at least 3,000 new council homes at Council rents.

It was stressed that, while the number of builds were important, the Council focussed on quality as well, building homes that would last, with insulation standards, interior and exterior design standards and a strong mix of family and individual homes. It was also explained that the Council made sure homes were as well-insulated and energy-efficient as possible.

It was explained that the proposals for Tiverton Estate showcased the Council’s approach to placemaking which lay at the heart of Haringey’s council house programme, noting that the Council aimed to deliver 17 new homes for affordable rent, including wheelchair-accessible and family homes for residents, while also providing public realm improvements. The scheme was designed using Passivhaus insulation principles, powered by heat pumps and solar panels, and designed to minimise noise from the main road.

The site was an area of open space, which fell within the Tiverton Estate – owned by Haringey Council.

In response to comments and questions from Councillors Hakata, Cawley-Harrison, the following information was shared:

It was explained that resident feedback on the development of the proposals for the site was sought at many different stages. It was additionally noted that work with residents to seek support for the scheme was undertaken.
It was explained that the proposals for the site sought to ensure that green space was maintained and that the site had a net gain of biodiversity.
It was noted that learning from prior sites had identified ways of improving heat and cold retention within properties. It was additionally explained that advice would be provided to residents to ensure that they were maximising their energy saving measures.
It was noted that the Council undertook post-occupancy surveys and Gateway reports to monitor resident satisfaction, which informed Cabinet of the quality of any development. These also informed officers of learning opportunities for future developments.