The Cabinet meeting of Kingston upon Hull Council was scheduled to discuss a range of important local issues, including the adoption of a management plan for the Georgian New Town Conservation Area and a local area energy plan aimed at achieving net-zero targets. Other key topics included plans for the refurbishment of the Albemarle Music Centre, a new access policy for Neighbourhoods and Housing services, and a contract extension for general building works on council-owned housing stock. The meeting was also set to consider a community asset transfer for Anlaby Park Community Library.

Georgian New Town Conservation Area

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the adoption of the Georgian New Town Conservation Area Management Plan. This plan, developed following public consultation, aims to manage changes within the conservation area and ensure its character and appearance are preserved and enhanced. The report recommended the adoption and publication of the plan, alongside the introduction of an Article 4 Direction to manage changes to external joinery, such as windows and doors, within the conservation area. This measure is intended to comply with legal requirements for managing conservation areas and align with Policy 16 of the Hull Local Plan, which addresses heritage considerations.

Local Area Energy Plan Final Report and Action Plan

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Hull and East Riding Local Area Energy Plan (HERLAEP) and its accompanying Action Plan. This plan, developed by City Science, outlines realistic scenarios for how the energy system in Hull and East Yorkshire needs to adapt to meet net-zero targets. It includes projections for electric vehicle numbers, low and zero-carbon heating solutions for homes and businesses, and identifies opportunities for renewable energy generation. The HERLAEP aims to provide a strategic update to previous carbon pathway reports and positions Hull and East Riding as leaders in developing such comprehensive plans, which will be crucial for discussions with energy network operators. The Action Plan details fourteen action areas and eleven priority projects across categories such as Energy and Networks, Buildings and Heat, Transport, and Cross-cutting themes. Cabinet was asked to endorse the HERLAEP as a key strategic document and delegate authority for agreeing lead delivery partners for priority projects.

Refurbishment of Albemarle Music Centre

The Cabinet was asked to approve proposed investment in the Albemarle Music Centre, the home of Hull Music Service. This refurbishment is part of the Council's planned preventative maintenance and investment priorities, addressing the building's current condition and its suitability for service delivery. The report sought approval for tendering works including security and access improvements to the entrance and reception, a new roof covering, rendering of the external curved wall, and new heating, ventilation, and lighting systems. The proposed works are funded through the Council's capital programme and planned building maintenance allocation.

Neighbourhoods and Housing Access Policy

This report outlined the development of an Access Policy for Neighbourhoods and Housing (N&H) and sought members' agreement to its adoption. The policy is intended to guide officers in reviewing existing and developing new access procedures within the service. It covers legislative requirements, circumstances requiring access to properties, how access will be gained, tenant responsibilities, and principles for managing refused access. The policy also emphasizes understanding and assessing equalities, vulnerability, and the specific needs of individuals when seeking access. Consultation with tenants indicated satisfaction with the proposed approach, particularly regarding emergency and non-emergency access procedures and the emphasis on reasonable adjustments.

Contract Extension for General Building Works, Improvements and Repairs to Council Owned Housing Stock

The Cabinet was asked to approve the exercise of an optional one-year extension to the existing General Building Works, Improvements and Repairs NEC4 Term Service Contract with CLC Contractors Limited. This extension, along with an increase in the contract value by £3.5 million, is intended to ensure the continued delivery of essential property maintenance, compliance, and improvement works. The additional funding is necessary to address increased service demand, changes in legislation and regulatory requirements, and to support the refurbishment of void properties and the Council's Buy Back Programme, ensuring properties are brought up to Hull City Council's lettable standard.

Community Asset Transfer – Anlaby Park Community Library

The Cabinet was asked to approve the disposal of Anlaby Park Library on a long leasehold basis at a peppercorn rent to the Anlaby Park Community Library Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This organisation has managed the property since 2014, establishing Hull's first community-run library and community hub. The transfer aims to allow the CIO to continue providing vital services, foster learning and social inclusion, and secure external funding for ongoing security and improvement works. The proposal aligns with the Council's Community Asset Transfer Policy and has the support of local ward councillors and the community. The CIO has demonstrated strong community engagement and a commitment to the building's sustainability and improvement.