The Stroud District Council Housing Committee meeting on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, focused on several key issues, including the redevelopment of Swedish Timber Houses, budget monitoring, and the continuation of the Warm and Well Scheme. Decisions were made to progress with redevelopment plans, approve budget allocations, and renew the council’s membership in the Warm and Well Partnership.

Swedish Timber Houses - Redevelopment Sites

The Head of Property Services presented a report on the redevelopment of Swedish Timber Houses, addressing requirements from a previous report and summarising work completed since February. This included pre-application planning advice, consultations with Gloucestershire County Council Highways, and a tree survey at The Knoll, Uley. Two layout options were tested for The Avenue in Stinchcombe, but only the larger site received support. The recommended layouts aim to increase affordable homes, improve school access, and provide more off-street parking.

The schemes require significant subsidies and longer borrowing periods to avoid impacting the Housing Revenue Account. The redevelopment will increase the number of homes from 16 to 42, built to an Energy Performance Certificate A standard, with lower maintenance costs and a lifespan of over 100 years. The Strategic Head of Housing noted that the Swedish Timber Houses had outlived their intended lifespan and maintaining them was financially challenging.

Councillor Patrick raised concerns about vacant properties and drainage issues, while Councillor Miles inquired about the need for bungalows. The Head of Property Services confirmed that tenants and private owners would be offered the option to return to their homes on the same terms. The committee approved the redevelopment plans with an amendment to provide updates on highway safety and infrastructure considerations before submitting planning applications.

Budget Monitoring Report 2023/24 Quarter 3

The Principal Accountant highlighted key areas of the budget report. The General Fund Revenue Budget showed an overspend of £54k, while the General Fund Capital Programme reported an underspend of £453k. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget Position had an underspend of £942k, but the HRA Capital Programme faced an overspend of £3.285M. Councillor Davies and Councillor Schoemaker raised questions about the need for subcontractors and the volume of work, which were addressed by the Head of Assets and Investment (Council Housing).

The committee noted the outturn forecast for the General Fund and HRA revenue budgets and the Capital Programmes.

Visitor Room Policy - Independent Living

The Service Delivery Manager (Independent Living) introduced updates to the Visitor Room Policy, including the addition of a new scheme at the Beaches in King Stanley, modernisation of rooms, and increased costs. Councillor Miles inquired about refundable deposits for damages, and the Service Delivery Manager confirmed that tenants are responsible for their guests. The committee approved the updated policy and adopted a menu-based charging system.

Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire Warm and Well Scheme

The Housing Renewal Manager discussed the continuation of the Warm and Well Scheme, which supports those in fuel poverty. The council contributes £20,000 per annum from the Better Care Fund for disabled facilities grant works. Councillor Luff and Councillor Schoemaker raised questions about the allocation of funds, which were clarified by the Housing Renewal Manager. The committee approved the renewal of the council’s membership in the Warm and Well Partnership and the tendering of the delivery contract.

Performance Monitoring

A report on performance monitoring was circulated prior to the meeting. Councillor Davies acknowledged the improvements in performance monitoring compared to the previous year and noted the need for data specific to the Housing Committee.

New Homes Programme

A report on the New Homes Programme was circulated prior to the meeting, with no comments from the committee.

Small Sites, Garages and Disposals Update

A report on small sites, garages, and disposals was circulated prior to the meeting, with no comments from the committee.

HRA Financial Position Report March 2024

A report on the HRA financial position was circulated prior to the meeting, with no comments from the committee.

Work Programme

The committee noted updates to the work programme.

For more details, you can refer to the Minutes Public Pack 19032024 Housing Committee.