To consider referrals from other bodies (e.g. Cabinet)

i)  Asset Disposal & Redevelopment

Members considered the disposal and redevelopment of a council asset.

Councillor Johnson explained that following the service reorganisation of the Family Centres, and to reflect that the existing buildings at Ray Mill Road East were no longer fit for purpose, the report proposed a partial disposal of the two properties to fund investment in much needed affordable housing. The service delivery would be reprioritised to the Pinkneys Green Centre. He thanked the work of Marius Gilmore in fighting for the long term survival of the centre.

Councillor Johnson highlighted the reference to the potential redevelopment opportunity at Ray Mill Road East and explained this was not a driving factor. In fact the car park of the Ray Mill centre would potentially be lost. The real driver had been the service reorganisation and the asset management review. Once the costs of refurbishment had been deducted, the council would also receive a useful capital receipt to reinvest or pay down debt.

Councillor Werner welcomed the move of the Family Centre to Pinkneys Green. He had been a staunch defender throughout the process so had been very pleased. He had held discussions with officers on the layout and design. Following his representations the design brief had been changed to emphasise the need for flexibility. He had no guarantee but he understood this would be taken into account. He suggested that some of the proceeds be used to build a new hall on the site. He was pleased that one of the old houses was going to be kept to generate revenue but he felt the 80% level would not be affordable to most people he knew. He suggested it be divided in a different way to allow for a real social rent.

Councillor Greg Jones commented that he was familiar with the current Family Centre and it was looking very tired. It was also in a poor location with difficult traffic flows. He fully supported the proposals.

Councillor McWilliams explained that he had mentioned during the Cabinet discussion that the involvement of Members and community champions was key, to ensure the most was made of the community development. He hoped all Members had looked at the recommendations in the proposed Housing Strategy.  Councillor McWilliams thanked Marius Gilmore for his bipartisan and constructive approach, which was the best way to deliver for residents.

Councillor Davey commented that he was shocked at the number of references to a former councillor. The report was about the refurbishment of a property for the benefit of the wider community and this should be the focus.

Councillor Carroll commented that he was pleased with progress being made. The council had been seeking from the beginning to refocus the service in line with the evidence base on family hubs.  He thanked Marius Gilmore for engaging on the issue.

Councillor Hill commented that he agreed with Councillor Davey. Although he appreciated the Conservatives were trying to get the former councillor re-elected, he felt it was an appalling display.

Councillor Rayner stated she felt the proposal was appropriate as the council would be managing its assets to provide a better family centre and affordable housing. She thanked the Director of Place and MD of the RBWM Property Company for their work on the project.

Councillor Johnson responded to the question about the 80% market rate. He explained that the property had been targeted at those ineligible for social housing yet who could not afford to pay open market rates. In terms of sections of housing need, it was aimed at the ‘squeezed middle’.  The future of the family centre had been secured following approval by Cabinet. It was a shame that some misinformation had been spread, which had rightly been pulled up by residents.

It was proposed by Councillor Johnson, seconded by Councillor Rayner, and:

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Councilnotes the report and:

i)          Approves the investment report at appendix A.

ii)        Approves a capital budget of £272,500 for the project. 

(Councillor Baldwin did not take part in the vote as he had not been in the meeting for the entire debate)