Issue - meetings

To consider the future use of Roxboro House.

(Report attached)

Members considered a report on the investigation of potential options for retention, disposal and redevelopment of Roxboro House.

Officers reported that following investigation of all options it had been established that none of the preferred housing providers would be interested in developing the building.  Soft market testing had also been carried out and viewings arranged for a number of organisations.  However, Officers had found that organisations were not willing to commit to the project until the property is declared surplus.

Officers outlined the support for, and consultation with, residents that had been ongoing throughout the process and would continue until all residents had been rehoused.  Members were informed that Roxboro House currently had ten residents and that feedback from those who had already moved had been positive.

RESOLVED that

1)         Roxboro House be declared surplus to requirements of the Council’s housing stock with effect from 19thSeptember 2011;

2)         Worcestershire Property Services be authorised to progress the disposal of the complex and management arrangements of the complex when closed; and

3)         Statutory Home Loss Payments (as required by the Land and Compensation Act 1973) and Disturbance Allowances be duly authorised for those tenants who have been affected and who have been re-housed in alternative accommodation as a result of the closure of Roxboro House; and

RECOMMENDED that

4)         as a consequence of 3) above, budgetary provision be made from the Housing Revenue Account to fund the costs of Home Loss Payments and any Disturbance Allowance (estimated to be £74,400).