Decisions

1.            The Cabinet noted the reports which were produced by an external consultant, and indicated short-term, medium-term and long-term actions that were suggested to ensure that the town centres can best deal with current challenges and opportunities and can adapt to make use of future opportunities.

2.            The Cabinet agreed with the short-term recommendations which were immediate actions to deal with High Street reopening as per the reports previously considered for Waltham Abbey and Loughton.

3.            The Cabinet noted that the short-term recommendations and actions would be managed in detail using clear project management techniques that would identify, timescale, responsible officer, key actions, and evaluation criteria.

4.            The Cabinet noted that the immediate actions proposed could be carried out by using current operational budgets, (as with Waltham Abbey and Ongar) and specific grants and funds already set aside in Epping Forest District Council/s 2021/22 Budget and from the legitimate use of other general initiative budgets set aside, e.g., tree planting and climate change.

5.            The Cabinet noted that the proposed medium-term and long-term options, and alternate ideas would be developed over time and would by necessity be partnerships between enterprise, town and parish councils, other public bodies, and Epping Forest District Council itself.

6.            The Cabinet noted that medium-term and long-term actions would necessitate full business cases, budget provision and inclusion where necessary in Qualis Business Plans.

7.            The Cabinet required Planning to update their guidance for town centres to assist with encouraging an appropriate “look and feel” to the Town Centres.

8.         The Cabinet noted the relationship between this project and other key projects, e.g., Development Plans Climate Change Action Plan, Sustainable Travel, Community Hubs, Investment Asset pans and Qualis Business Plans.

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 Cabinet considered and noted comments made by Overview and Scrutiny and discussed the report.

The Cabinet approved the new policy (replacing the previous policy) on the disposal of small land sites and individual properties.

1.            The Cabinet agreed to proceed and appoint Civica to provide our new Housing Management system; and

2.            The Cabinet noted the methodology used to appoint the successful supplier.

1.         The Cabinet approved the proposed renewal and remodelling of the communal areas of the Council’s sheltered housing schemes using Buckingham Interiors.  As a pilot in the first instance at Frank Bretton Court; and

2.         The Cabinet noted the method of funding would be based on a costed options appraisal using either leasing or borrowing against the HRA.  This was currently being carried out by Arlingclose. They noted that the full cost of the scheme would be covered via a service charge which was eligible for Housing Benefit subsidy. 

That the minutes of the Council Housebuilding Cabinet Committee held on 16^th March 2021 be noted.

Decision:

(1)        That members agreed that EFDC became members and used the National Framework, as an additional framework to ensure all projects can demonstrate best value for money, quality and where contractors judged on merit.

Decision:

(1)        That the contents of this Phase 3 scheme budget for the Council House Building Programme be noted and presented to the Cabinet in line with the Terms of Reference of the Council House Building Cabinet Committee.

Decision:

(1)        That the contents of this Progress Report on Phases 3 to 5 of the Council House Building Programme be noted and presented to the Cabinet in line with the Terms of Reference of the Council House Building Cabinet Committee; and

(2)        That members consider the proposals for Phase 5 and award officers the approval to move the schemes forward through planning and construction. 

Resolved:

(1)        That the minutes of the Council Housebuilding Cabinet Committee held on the 16 March 2021 be taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.