The Overview & Scrutiny Board was scheduled to consider a call-in of a Cabinet decision regarding the conversion of Chesham House into residential accommodation for homeless families. The board was also scheduled to review the response to the grounds for this call-in.

Chesham House Conversion for Homeless Families

The board was scheduled to consider a requisition, or call-in, of a Cabinet decision made on 11 December 2024, concerning the conversion of Chesham House into residential accommodation for homeless families. This process allows scrutiny of decisions made by the Cabinet. The agenda indicated that a report detailing the grounds for the call-in and the response from Living Well officers was attached for consideration.

Concerns were raised regarding the suitability of the building for residential conversion, noting that a previous planning application for the site had been rejected. The grounds for concern included:

• The building's classification for residential conversion.
• Whether the proposed flats would comply with national described space standards¹.
• The absence of section drawings in the previous application.
• The timing of a noise survey.
• A lack of detail on whether the units would be self-contained or offer communal facilities.
• Concerns about on-site security and support.
• The building's fire safety.
• An assessment of value for money, questioning if procuring homes on the open market would be cheaper and faster.

The response from Living Well officers was scheduled to address these points. It was stated that a Lawful Development Certificate from June 2024 allows for Permitted Development² change of use to flats. The proposed 55 units were described as NDSS compliant, with appropriate amenity and bike storage. Architects were said to have determined that ceiling heights were not an issue, with elevation drawings available. The response also indicated that three surveys would be required: a noise survey, a flood risk survey, and a highways survey.

Regarding the nature of the units, the response confirmed that each would be self-contained, with communal facilities intended to mirror those at Royal Jubilee Court to provide support and active space for children. On-site support from the hostels team, using a model identical to Royal Jubilee Court, was planned, with residents receiving support from on-site staff regarding their housing options.

In terms of fire safety, the conversion was scheduled to be subject to approval by Building Control. Concerning value for money, the council was not scheduled to take on the financial risk of purchasing or renovating the building, but would hold the National Housing Group to detailed standards. The response suggested that the exempt housing benefit income likely to be achieved would make this model significantly cheaper than procuring homes on the open market, as there would be no capital outlay for the purchase or renovation of the property. The response also noted that purchasing homes for the general fund would be subject to the Local Housing Allowance 2011 less 10%, whereas an exemption from this rent level was being sought for Chesham House to meet all costs.