Purpose

To seek approval from the Portfolio Holders to convert former Cash Office at 14a Waddesdon Road, Harwich into two-bedroom accessible housing property.

To facilitate this, to also agree to transfer the property from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account and authorise the submission of a planning application.

Decision

To initiate the Property Dealing Procedure and to approve the submission of a planning application for its conversion into an accessible housing property.

Reasons for the decision

The building has been vacant for several years, is deteriorating and providing no income. The local housing demand is rising and there is a shortage of accessible housing in the District.

Alternative options considered

(1)     Do nothing;

(2)     Seek a commercial tenant;

(3)     Seek a community focused tenant; and

(4)     Dispose of the building.