home - committee - volume - faq's - help -search - meeting - previous - next

V28-576 : ST PETERS COURT, LOWESTOFT

The report of the Corporate Director (Community Services) assessed the impacts of the Council retaining and refurbishing St Peter's Court, as requested by the Panel at its last meeting on 26 October 2000. At that meeting, a report had been presented which identified changes to factors influencing an earlier decision to seek the transfer of St Peter's Court to a housing association, and recommended reassessment.

The new report appraised the impacts and concluded that the cost of refurbishment could be accommodated in the Council's own works programmes if it was phased and the Housing Repairs Fund utilised. The report also showed that refurbishment was the cheapest of the options considered, which were (a) Dowry - a cash dowry plus St Peter's Court and garage site transferred to a housing association; (b) Property - some cash, St Peter's Court and garage site plus additional houses transferred to a housing association; and (c) Refurbishment - direct refurbishment by the Council.

Phasing of the works were suggested, Phase One of which would include: (a) the External Envelope - replacement flat roof system, walls, and windows; (b) Internal Works - asbestos treatment/removal, removal of fire risk ground floor ceilings, and soil stack and bathroom suite replacement; (c) Energy/new heating - humidity control ventilation, district heating via gas, and combined heat and power options; and (d) Mechanical and Electrical - sanitary pipework, and fire compartmentation

Councillors felt that government housing investment initiatives should be recognised as the reason for now being able to progress with the works, along with savings from the Council having it's own PVCu window unit.

Councillors asked that when the refurbishment was completed, the lettings policy be considered to make better use of the building's two bedroom flats.

RECOMMENDED

1. That The Executive be recommended to commit to Phase One of the refurbishment of St Peters Court, Lowestoft, within the Council's own works programme.

2. That a member(s) of the tenants' association would be invited to join the Project Steering Group when set up.

(Councillor Ford declared an interest in the above item, but claimed the Secretary of State's Dispensation in Department of the Environment Circular 16/92 Appendix 1 for Tenants of Unfurnished Accommodation that allowed her to speak and vote).


Volume 28 Minute 576

powered by Oultwood Web Technology

© Waveney District Council