Purpose

A
report to update Cabinet on proposals for the redevelopment of
Sycamore Grange, following the previous Cabinet approval on 21
December 2022 to redevelop the site. The report will outline
stakeholder engagement and feedback which has helped to shape the
proposals.
 
The
report will ask Cabinet to approve a scheme budget and seek Cabinet
approval to apply for planning permission.
 
The
report will ask Cabinet to delegate authority, in consultation with
the Portfolio Holder, to the Strategic Director of Growth and
Regeneration to invite tenders, assess bids and let contracts for
the demolition and remediation of the existing building and site,
and the detailed design and construction of a new Sycamore Grange
retirement living scheme, bungalows and apartments, once planning
permission has been obtained.
 
Engagement with tenants on
their housing options, and the future of Sycamore Grange was
undertaken in January 2023.
 
In April 2023, further
engagement with tenants, adjacent residents, and Members was
undertaken on emerging scheme plans. Stakeholder engagement has
included housing management and Adult Services’
input.
 
Stakeholder feedback has been
supportive of new proposals, and existing tenants have expressed an
interest in returning to the scheme. More bungalows were suggested,
as well as greenspace and parking. The new proposals have responded
to this engagement.
 
The Tenant Voice Panel is
supportive of the scheme, and it recommended that the scheme and
new heating technologies must be affordable to tenants.
 
The Homes & Neighbourhoods
Improvement Board will consider the proposals on the
18th of September, and Board comments will be reported
to Cabinet.
 
 
 
 

Content

RESOLVED –
 

1)   
That the re-development plans as outlined in the considered report
be noted and that endorsement be given to the approach to
constructing the scheme.

2)   
That approval be given to a maximum budget envelope of
£11,937,000 to procure the demolition of the existing
Sycamore Grange scheme, the construction of the new retirement
living scheme, bungalows, and apartments, and to fund the
management of rehousing and revenue costs.

3)   
That pursuant to (2) above, authority be delegated to the Service
Director Finance to sign a detailed financial appraisal, following
planning permission and procurement, but before the award of any
contract and the commencement of works.

4)   
That approval be given to the submission of Prior Approval
notification and Notices under the Planning and Building Acts for
the demolition of Sycamore Grange, and the submission of a planning
application for the new development.

5)   
That authority be delegated the Strategic Director of Growth in
consultation with the Service Director for Legal, Governance &
Commissioning, and Portfolio Holder to invite and assess tender
submissions and enter into contract for
the demolition of existing buildings on the site once Vacant
Possession is achieved.

6)   
Authorise the Strategic Director of Growth in consultation with the
Service Director for Governance & Commissioning and the
Portfolio Holder to invite and assess tender submissions and to
draft and award contracts for the Design and Build of the new
scheme within the agreed budget envelope.

7)   
That approval be given to the appointed contractor to be
responsible for finalising the design and costs and obtaining all
approvals required to construct the scheme.