The Housing and Regeneration Policy and Scrutiny Committee of Westminster Council was scheduled to discuss the Lisson Grove Regeneration Programme and building safety standards. The committee was also set to review its work programme and consider any changes to its membership.

Lisson Grove Regeneration Programme

The committee was scheduled to scrutinise the progression of the Lisson Grove Regeneration Programme and review the concept design proposals. This programme encompasses two sites: Lilestone Street and Orchardson Street. The proposals aim to deliver between 250 and 300 new homes, with 50% designated as affordable housing. A key component of the programme is the development of a Health and Wellbeing Hub, which would co-locate NHS primary care services, Council resident services, and flexible community spaces. This initiative aligns with the Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster's Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023-2033, focusing on preventative healthcare and improving health outcomes through better living environments and access to services.

Extensive community engagement has been undertaken for the Lisson Grove Programme, with feedback influencing design evolution. This included community design workshops, site visits, and various consultation methods to gather input on the proposed homes, the Health and Wellbeing Hub, and public realm improvements. The programme also outlines offers for secure tenants and leaseholders affected by the development, including rights of return and financial assistance. The Orchardson Street site, currently housing council offices and the Westminster Adult Education Service, is also part of the regeneration, with proposals to redevelop it to generate income through commercial leases and provide new homes.

Building Safety

The committee was scheduled to examine the framework governing safety standards in Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) and the Council's work in this area, with a particular focus on the private rented sector and building control. The report detailed the Building Safety Programme (BSP), established in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, which focuses on the remediation of external wall systems in HRBs and mid-rise residential buildings (MRRBs). The programme has identified and addressed numerous buildings with unsafe external wall systems, with a significant number having undergone remediation.

The report also outlined the responsibilities of the Building Control Team in ensuring safety standards, including providing resources to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), maintaining a dangerous structures team, and engaging with government bodies to shape legislation. The challenges faced by the Building Control service, such as a shrinking pool of qualified inspectors and competition from the private sector, were also to be discussed. The committee was to consider how the Council could continue to improve safety standards in private sector housing and ensure the resilience of its building control services.

Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to review its Work Programme and Committee Tracker. This would involve considering any new topics for scrutiny and reviewing the work undertaken since the previous meeting. The committee's work programme is designed to provide scrutiny with maximum opportunity to impact and influence Council policy, focusing on areas where the Council is developing new policy, reviewing implemented policies, or providing oversight.

Membership

The committee was scheduled to note any changes to its membership.