The Renewal, Recreation and Housing Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee of Bromley Council discussed several key issues, including updates on library repair works, the Housing, Planning and Regeneration Portfolio Plan, and the procurement process for transitional accommodation at Manorfields. Decisions were made to support the recommendations in various reports, and significant progress was noted in multiple ongoing projects.

Library Repair Works Programme

The Portfolio Holder for Renewal, Recreation and Housing provided an update on the Library Repair Works Programme. Works are on schedule at Southborough and West Wickham libraries, and have recently commenced at Beckenham Library, with a temporary library provision now open at Lewis House. The Portfolio Holder also announced that the Local Authority had secured a £6M Salix grant for the refurbishment of the West Wickham and Walnuts leisure centres, which will fund state-of-the-art air source heat pumps.

Housing, Planning and Regeneration Portfolio Plan Update

The Committee reviewed the 2023/24 Quarter 4 update to the Housing, Planning and Regeneration Portfolio Plan. Discussions included the review of the current Homelessness Strategy, the Rough Sleeping Initiative, and the geographical breakdown of out-of-Borough placements for temporary accommodation. The Assistant Director: Housing reported that additional staff resources were now in place to support work in these areas.

Proceeding to Procurement: Manorfields Transitional Accommodation

The Committee considered the report on proceeding to procurement for Manorfields transitional accommodation in Orpington. The estimated budget for the project is £5.2M, including an element of inflation. The Head of Regeneration confirmed that cost estimates had been sought from several contractors. The Committee supported the recommendations in the report.

Provision of Library Service - Contract Performance Report and Variations

The Committee reviewed the Provision of Library Service - Contract Performance Report and Variations. Discussions included the internal cleanliness of library facilities, the rollout of dark fibre internet, and the success of the Start Up Bromley initiative, which attracted 611 more members.

Update on the Bromley Local Plan Review

The Committee considered an update on the Bromley Local Plan review. A Member emphasised the need for the Local Plan to support the Local Authority in being ambitious around social housing. The Head of Planning Policy and Strategy confirmed that demand for social housing would form part of the evidence used to assess housing need in the Borough.

Contracts Register Part 1 (Public) Report

The Committee reviewed an extract from the Contracts Register detailing contracts with a whole life value of £50k or higher as of 22 April 2024.

Digital Infrastructure Work Plan Update

The Committee noted the Digital Infrastructure Work Plan Update, which was included in the information briefing.

The meeting concluded with the Committee noting the progress on various actions and supporting the recommendations in the reports presented.