Decision details

A report to update Cabinet on proposals for the redevelopment of Sycamore Grange, following the previous Cabinet approval on 21 December 2022 to redevelop the site. The report will outline stakeholder engagement and feedback which has helped to shape the proposals.

The report will ask Cabinet to approve a scheme budget and seek Cabinet approval to apply for planning permission.

The report will ask Cabinet to delegate authority, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to the Strategic Director of Growth and Regeneration to invite tenders, assess bids and let contracts for the demolition and remediation of the existing building and site, and the detailed design and construction of a new Sycamore Grange retirement living scheme, bungalows and apartments, once planning permission has been obtained.

Engagement with tenants on their housing options, and the future of Sycamore Grange was undertaken in January 2023.

In April 2023, further engagement with tenants, adjacent residents, and Members was undertaken on emerging scheme plans. Stakeholder engagement has included housing management and Adult Services’ input.

Stakeholder feedback has been supportive of new proposals, and existing tenants have expressed an interest in returning to the scheme. More bungalows were suggested, as well as greenspace and parking. The new proposals have responded to this engagement.

The Tenant Voice Panel is supportive of the scheme, and it recommended that the scheme and new heating technologies must be affordable to tenants.

The Homes & Neighbourhoods Improvement Board will consider the proposals on the 18^th of September, and Board comments will be reported to Cabinet.

RESOLVED –

1)    That the re-development plans as outlined in the considered report be noted and that endorsement be given to the approach to constructing the scheme.

2)    That approval be given to a maximum budget envelope of £11,937,000 to procure the demolition of the existing Sycamore Grange scheme, the construction of the new retirement living scheme, bungalows, and apartments, and to fund the management of rehousing and revenue costs.

3)    That pursuant to (2) above, authority be delegated to the Service Director Finance to sign a detailed financial appraisal, following planning permission and procurement, but before the award of any contract and the commencement of works.

4)    That approval be given to the submission of Prior Approval notification and Notices under the Planning and Building Acts for the demolition of Sycamore Grange, and the submission of a planning application for the new development.

5)    That authority be delegated the Strategic Director of Growth in consultation with the Service Director for Legal, Governance & Commissioning, and Portfolio Holder to invite and assess tender submissions and enter into contract for the demolition of existing buildings on the site once Vacant Possession is achieved.

6)    Authorise the Strategic Director of Growth in consultation with the Service Director for Governance & Commissioning and the Portfolio Holder to invite and assess tender submissions and to draft and award contracts for the Design and Build of the new scheme within the agreed budget envelope.

7)    That approval be given to the appointed contractor to be responsible for finalising the design and costs and obtaining all approvals required to construct the scheme.