This report provides an update on the current Local Authority New Build (LANB) programme.

The Committee considered a report on the status of the Local Authority New Build (LANB) programme which had delivered 267 local authority new build homes and an additional 63 property acquisitions, with schemes in development to deliver another 218 new homes by 2027. This would take the total LANB delivery to 548 homes, with further property acquisitions expected.

The report noted that Phase One of the Estate Improvement Project at Wensley was currently on site and expected to be fully complete in early 2025. The scheme would deliver 46 new build homes (8 x 1 bedroom flats, 10 x 2 bedroom flats, 26 x 3 bedroom houses and 2 x 4 bedroom houses), a new play park, new car parking and new roads. Bidding on the new homes had been phased and commenced for residents in August 2024.

Phase Two of the project at Wensley involved a range of maintenance and improvement works both internally and externally to the three existing tower blocks at Wensley Road. This included the refurbishment and reconfiguration of existing block entrances with new footings/foundations, drainage, and service connections. It also included bin refuse improvement works with bin chute replacement, internal refurbishment works to the ground floor with a new drying room, and installation of MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) systems.

Installation of MEV (Mechanical Extract Ventilation) systems would be included within each apartment with making good works as required. Work would be undertaken on the external building fabric improvement with the replacement of existing wall covering material with a high-quality, non-combustible EWI (External Wall Insulation) system. There would also be completing window removal and replacement works, glazing replacement to stair cores and replacement roof works and hard and soft landscaping works around the blocks with the formation of new cycle stores.  

The report noted that the RIBA Stage 4 Technical Design, using a Pre-Construction Service Agreement (PCSA) with the appointed contractor, were finalising the tendered design and submitting the planned construction through the Building Safety Act (BSA). The submission through the Regulator was Gateway 2 of the BSA process, which was envisaged to take 12 weeks to complete. However, it was noted that the ability of the Regulator to meet demand for this service meant that this process was likely to take between 20 – 30 weeks.  

The final designs were nearing completion, and the Gateway 2 submission was expected to take place in November 2024. The anticipated time for the Regulator to approve the project would impact on the eventual start date, which was looking to be June 2025 with completion in August 2026. The project remained on track to deliver within the existing budget under the Major Repairs - Existing Homes Renewal Capital Programme scheme.

The increased spend approval and budget reallocation for completion of Wensley Phase One was detailed in the exempt Part Two report and was considered with the recommendations in closed session.

Resolved –

            That the report be noted and that the recommendations be considered alongside the exempt financial information in closed session.