Decision

1. 1.    Noted the options considered for the Disused Utility Store, also previously known as the Former Records Office, Museum Road, referred hereafter as "The Building".
2. 2.    Approved the proposed redevelopment in principle, comprising the demolition of The Building and delivery of 44 affordable sheltered homes for older people, and authorises officers to progress design development, consultation, surveys and the submission of planning and listed building consent applications, followed by procurement once the necessary planning consents have been obtained.
3. 3.    Noted that a Housing Development Pipeline budget of £15.45m is available for this development and was included within the HRA Capital Programme, approved by Council in February 2026, phased at £0.5m in 2026/27, £4.984m in 2027/28, £4.984m in 2028/29 and £4.982m in 2029/30.
4. 4.    Delegated authority to the Cabinet Member for Housing and Tackling Homelessness and the Director of Housing, Neighbourhood and Building Services, acting jointly and in consultation with the Director of Finance and Resources (Section 151 Officer), prior to any contract award, a review of the financial appraisal following completion of the tender evaluation. This will include a review of the rent profile and the composition and spending profile of the proposed scheme in order to meet regulatory, design and procurement requirements alongside the affordability of HRA unsupported borrowing and available grant funding to ensure that the scheme remains financially viable following any necessary changes.
5. 5.    Delegated authority to the Director of Housing, Neighbourhood and Building Services to submit applications for and accept grant funding and other eligible external contributions in support of the scheme, subject to consultation with the Director of Finance and Resources (Section 151 Officer) and the City Solicitor on any material financial or legal conditions.
6. 6.    Delegated authority to the Director of Housing, Neighbourhood and Building Services, in consultation with the City Solicitor and the Director of Finance and Resources (Section 151 Officer), to finalise and enter into all contracts, agreements and ancillary documents required to progress and deliver the development, including appointments of professional advisers and the award of the works contract, provided these are within the approved budget and procurement framework.
7. 7.    Agreed that before award of the principal works contract, the Director of Housing, Neighbourhood and Building Services, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Resources (Section 151 Officer), confirms (in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Tackling Homelessness) that the final tendered scheme remains within the approved HRA capital budget, is financially viable and affordable within the HRA Business Plan, and that all material planning, legal, procurement and funding conditions have been satisfied.
8. 8.    Requested officers to explore with ward members and residents of Hartford House the opportunity for them to install electrical car charging points in the carpark at Hartford House and understand where the council may be able to offer support and assistance.