Cabinet were informed that two local residents, Mr Olu Odeniyi and Mr Gurpreet Bhangra, who lived near Mokattam had requested to speak on the Part II report.  They were allowed to address Cabinet in Part I and the Chairman informed that he would be making a recommendation that as much of the Part II resolution that could be published in Part I would be if approved.

Mr Olu Odeniyi informed Cabinet that after Mokattam had ceased being used as a care home the borough had plans to convert it into affordable housing.  Cabinet were informed that it was an historical street with a private road maintained by the residents and unique to Maidenhead.  It was felt that although affordable housing was important this was not the location for such a development.  The road was narrow and not suited for such development that would also set a precedent that would wipe out the character of the street.  The residents supported the regeneration of Maidenhead and that the sale of the site as a single unit would help provide appropriate affordable housing on alternative appropriate locations. 

Mr Gurpreet Bhangra explained the unique nature of houses in the street and the concern that if one of the properties was to be converted into multiple units with development in the garden than this would set a precedent that would eventfully destroy the nature of the street.  Residents understood the need for affordable home in the borough but they had to be in the right locations.  He urged Cabinet that when they discussed the Part II report that they approve to keep Mokattam as a single use property.

The Lead Member for Adult Services and Public Health informed that as ward member he had met with residents and visited the area.  He thanked residents for their comments and looked forward to the discussion on this item in Part II.

The Chairman mentioned that he had visited the area and agreed that unlike other developments underway mixed use may not be appropriate.  Areas such as York Road will have blind mixed tenure.

Discussion on this item was undertaken in Part II where it was agreed that the following parts of the resolution be published in Part I.   the full resolution is recorded in Part II.

Resolved unanimously:  that Cabinet notes the report and:

i)     Appendix A - Approves the capital budget spend for Appendix A for the refurbishment of the project.

ii)    Appendix A - Approves the transfer of the asset, once completed, to RBWM Property Company Ltd for use as affordable housing.

iii)   Appendix A - Delegates authority to the Acting Managing Director to progress the project, including appointing a contractor.

iv)   Appendix B – Approve the disposal of the asset with an overage clause, with the proceeds ring fenced for the provision of affordable housing.

v)    Appendix B – Delegates authority to the Acting Managing Director to progress the sale of the asset with an overage clause, and use of the receipts for affordable housing.

vi)   That part of the recommendations be published in Part I.