Agenda item

Housing Services (C-005-2021-22) – a new proposals embracing an innovative and forward-thinking ‘Place Approach’ for larger Council estates such as Limes Farm.

1.         The Cabinet approved the proposed approach to regenerating and protecting our assets;

2.         The Cabinet noted the pilot scheme (Limes Farm Estate)  which forms part of the overall Capital Expenditure for improvement and works programme for the next year; and

3.         The Cabinet agreed to receive a further paper in September outlining a 5-year capital plan, which would form part 1 of the Estate Regeneration plan, this would be subject to agreement of the budget which would take place in line with EFDC budget setting timetable.

The Housing Services Portfolio Holder, Councillor Holly Whitbread, introduced the report that was looking at Limes Farm. An innovative and forward-thinking approach was being proposed to develop a ‘Place Approach’ to the regeneration of our Estates.

A review had been carried out to inform the future planning of our asset and property management programme.  There were 2 specific reasons for this.  Firstly, the Social Housing White Paper expressly discusses the need to take a combined approach to upgrading and developing communities.  Much research had been carried out about the value of taking a holistic and ‘Place’ approach and treating the whole community, rather than specific asset management improvements, such as painting the outside of a building in isolation.  In addition to this, officers had adopted a new approach which was about ‘creating places where people want to live’.  As such, officers had formed a project group which had assessed the estates and developed a priority list.  This paper set out the approach and detailed the importance of protecting our assets in addition to the value of taking a ‘Place’ approach.

Councillor Patel welcomed the report noting that the last 18 months had shown how important our community spaces were. Regeneration of these areas was important, and we could learn from this for other sites.  Councillor H Whitbread added that social recovery was a key theme and really important for the district.

Councillor Sunger welcomed the report and the resident engagement it represented.

Councillor Lion as the Ward Councillor also welcomed the report and noted that he was part of the consultation team. There had always been an issue about crime and more about feeling secure; CCTV would be fundamental for residents. Also, most of his casework came from residents who wanted to stay on the estate but move to a larger/smaller house etc. Consideration of more accommodation would be welcomed. Councillor H Whitbread agreed that crime and security was an important thing to highlight and our Community Safety team were looking into this. As for housing units on the estate we would look more strategically at this area.  She also noted that monitoring of this initiative would go to the Council Housebuilding Cabinet Committee.

Decision:

1.         The Cabinet approved the proposed approach to regenerating and protecting our assets;

2.         The Cabinet noted the pilot scheme (Limes Farm Estate) formed part of the overall Capital Expenditure for improvement and works programme for the next year; and

3.         The Cabinet agreed to receive a further paper in September outlining a 5-year capital plan, which would form part 1 of the Estate Regeneration plan, this would be subject to agreement of the budget which would take place in line with EFDC budget setting timetable.

Reason for decision

Members were asked to approve our approach to estate regeneration and note the benefits to both the customers and the organisation.  Furthermore, that Cabinet note the future requirements of the Social Housing White paper in regard to communities and note our approach is in line with this. 

Members were also asked to note our approach to the project which was to initially use Limes Farm as a pilot scheme.  This would form the basis of our approach going forward and allow us to test our process. 

Options considered and rejected:

Officers considered whether to carry on with our current approach which was to carry out work in an isolated manner based on ‘time due’ only basis.  This was rejected as it did not follow our vision which is to ‘create places where people want to live’.