Agenda item

- to note the independent structural assessment and to re-affirm the previous decision

34 residents of the Tarran Newland properties attended the meeting with apologies from a further 32 submitted.

In accordance with Minute No. 141 of 10^th January, 2005, the Head of Neighbourhood Development submitted a report on the outcome of an independent structural assessment of non-traditional Tarran houses in Maltby and the costs associated with refurbishment and demolition.

Curtins Consulting Engineers were commissioned by the Council on 1^st December, 2004, to undertake investigations of the Council-owned Tarran properties to assess the current structural condition and consider the options and costs for refurbishment and demolition.  They also considered the previously undertaken condition survey together with comments made by the Audit Commission.  Costs and recommendations had been prepared in respect of the following alternative options:-

A          Identify repair and upgrade works required for the properties to achieve full mortgageability status

B          Identify alternative repair schemes to achieve a limited form of mortgageable status (a limited number of building societies were prepared to offer mortgages on properties with a life span of approximately 30 years)

C          Identify repair and upgrade works required to ensure a life span of 30 years and satisfy the requirements of the Decent Homes Standard.

A copy of the consultants’ report was attached at Appendix A.

In financial terms, the costs of repair and refurbishment significantly exceeded the costs of demolition.  In addition, the Decent Homes Standard and CGU2000 Scheme offered no or limited mortgageability respectively, thus hindering the aspirations of tenants who may in future wish to exercise the right to buy.  The acquisition and demolition of the properties was the recommended option for ensuring the long term sustainability of the estate.

Advice was also obtained from Central Government and the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber as to the availability of Government finance to assist with one or more of the options under consideration.  Government Office had confirmed that there were no Government grants available to assist with the costs of refurbishment.  It had, however, informed the Council of the potential availability of funds to assist with the purchase of former right to buy properties.  A Government scheme was available to purchase properties that had structural defects that restricted the owner’s ability to sell their property or limit the ability of a prospective purchaser obtaining a mortgage.  The Government may provide assistance with 35% of the total purchase costs subject to an annual excess of £50,000.

A question and answer session ensued where it was realised that tenants and residents had not been formally notified that this issue was to be discussed at the meeting.  The Cabinet Member felt that the issue should be deferred to enable all to be formally informed of the date of the meeting.

Resolved:-  (1)  That this issue be deferred. 

(2)  That all tenants and residents of the Tarran Newland properties be officially notified that this issue will be discussed at the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Environmental Services to be held on 14^th March, 2005.