In a meeting on 4 December 2025, Councillor Sarah Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader), approved a variation to the Broadwater Farm (BWF) Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) Programme, increasing the contract sum by £690,000, and approved the appointment of a contractor for a new build construction project at an undisclosed site. The meeting also addressed filming at meetings, apologies for absence, declarations of interest, urgent business, and deputations/petitions/questions, none of which required action.

Broadwater Farm - Fire Risk Assessment Programme Variation

Councillor Sarah Williams approved a £690,000 variation to the BWF Fire Risk Assessment and Protective Coatings contract, bringing the revised total to £5.94 million. The additional funding will cover essential fire safety works across eight blocks on the Broadwater Farm Estate, ensuring compliance with current Fire and Building Safety Regulations and the Building Safety Act¹. These works include:

• Replacement of windows and spandrel panels in the communal stairwell of Kenley, a 17-storey residential block.
• Installation of enhanced emergency lighting across all wing blocks.
• Provision of additional fire-rated doors on external balconies.
• Upgraded wayfinding and fire safety signage.
• Implementation of essential fire safety features and surface finishes across all eight blocks.

The project, which commenced in November 2023, aims to protect occupants from fire hazards, implement effective fire prevention measures, and prevent the spread of fire and smoke. The project team identified the need for additional works during the project. The report notes that:

The additional works were not identified at tender stage; however, they are considered essential for compliance.

The current programme anticipates final project sign-off and end of defects period by March 2026. Rochford and Martlesham blocks are not covered under this scope, but will benefit from upgrade works under the separate Pilot Refurbishment Programme.

The alternative option of not undertaking the works was rejected because the council has a duty to comply with current fire safety regulations to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

Leaseholders were consulted prior to the award of contract in line with Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenants Act 1985². Leasehold Services has advised that the additional works are in line with the original scope of works and Section 20 Notices, so no further consultation is required. A cost consultant has assessed the contract variation and cost from the main contractor and determined that the proposed increase contract sum of £690k for the additional works is appropriate.

The additional £690k will be funded from the budget allocated for the Broadwater Farm Refurbishment Programme.

Award of Construction Contract

Councillor Sarah Williams approved the appointment of Contractor A for a new build construction project at an undisclosed site. The development is designed to provide safe and secure accommodation. The Cabinet Member also approved the appropriation of the land outlined in red on the plan at Appendix 2 from housing to planning purposes to enable the delivery of the scheme. This appropriation allows the council to override any third-party rights or interests, subject to appropriate engagement with affected parties, and subsequently re-appropriate the land back to housing use upon practical completion of the development.

The Cabinet Member made the following resolutions:

1. To approve the appointment of Contractor A to undertake the new build works for the contract sum as set out in the exempt report.
2. To approve the rents as set out in section 1.5 of the exempt part of this report.
3. To approve the exemption as set out in section 1.6 of the exempt part of this report.
4. To note the engagement and consultation undertaken in relation to this site, as detailed in section 3 of the exempt part of the report.
5. To approve the appropriation of the land from housing purposes to planning purposes pursuant to Section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972[^4]. [^4]: Section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 allows local authorities to dispose of land they own if it is no longer required for the purpose for which it was held, provided certain conditions and procedures are met.
6. To approve the use of the Council's powers under Section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016[^5] to override any easements and other third-party rights and interests relating to the land. [^5]: Section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 grants local authorities the power to override easements and other third-party rights that may impede development, subject to certain conditions and the payment of compensation.
7. To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Culture, Strategy and Communities, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources, to agree and make any necessary compensation payments arising from valid claims relating to third-party rights affected by the development.
8. To approve the appropriation of the land from planning purposes back to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for housing purposes under Section 19 of the Housing Act 1985[^6] upon practical completion of the development. [^6]: Section 19 of the Housing Act 1985 concerns the management of local authority housing stock and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), which is a ring-fenced account used to manage income and expenditure related to council housing.
9. To approve the total scheme cost as set out in the exempt part B of the report.
10. To approve the issuance of a Letter of Intent for up to 10% of the contract value, as detailed in the exempt section of the report.

The Council considered not proceeding with the development, but decided against it because the scheme would contribute to the Council's commitment to deliver high-quality, affordable provision in Haringey.