Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: May 20, 2025

Purpose: The Cabinet will receive an update on the progress and budget forecasts for the approved Estate Renewal programme at Gascoigne East Phase 4 and will be asked to approve the front funding of vital demolition to mitigate security and other associated costs related to holding the empty blocks and re-affirm previous approvals for the use of the Council’s CPO powers.

Content: Cabinet resolved to:   (i)  Approve the provision of continued budget from the Housing Capital Programme forecast at £4.4m to close out the programme, as detailed in section 4 of the report;   (ii)  Note the ongoing actions to relocate tenants and leaseholders from the last remaining high-rise blocks followed by the relocation of the remaining tenants and leaseholders in the rest of the Phase 4 properties;   (iii)  Re-confirm the approval given by Cabinet under Minute 106 (iii) (20 April 2021) for the use by the Council of its Compulsory Purchase Order making powers pursuant to Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985 (as amended) for the acquisition of leasehold interests in relevant properties, for the purposes of securing land to facilitate the redevelopment of those areas; and   (iv)  Approve a front-funding budget of £6,000,000 from the Housing Capital Programme to complete the demolition of the empty high-rise blocks (Fiske Court, Oban House, Tasker House and Crispe House) followed by the demolition of Earlsdown House once fully empty.