Agenda Item No 11

The Vale of Glamorgan Council

Cabinet Meeting: 17 September 2018

To provide Cabinet with an update on the Council Housing Development Programme in so far as it relates to the site at Brecon Court, Barry, which will in turn enable the Cabinet to make a contractual decision.

That Cabinet notes the current position with the Housing Development Programme.
That Cabinet note the contents of the report, with a view to taking a decision on the award of a JCT Design and Build contract detailed within the Part II report later on the agenda.

The Council is seeking to expand its housing stock and satisfy local housing need through the commissioning of new properties as a new development initiative. The principle of developing new homes was established by the Council following a Cabinet meeting on 11 August 2014 (Cabinet Minute C2439) and sites across the Vale of Glamorgan were considered for potential development.
The Site at Brecon Court was previously reported to Cabinet on 28 November 2016 (minute number C3379) approving the demolition works.
Permission to progress with an option appraisal was approved on 06 February 2017 (Cabinet Minute C3453) with a recommendation to be presented to Cabinet following the completion of the appraisal.
Approval to progress to a full planning application and subsequent tender stage was granted by Cabinet at the meeting on the 19 February 2018 (Cabinet Minute C238).

The scheme for the development of 28 new Council Homes was formally tendered through the Sell2Wales portal. Advertisements were lodged on 04 June 2018 and 19 expressions of interest were received during this open tender period.
The closing date for the tender return was 6 August 2018 and six tenders were received on 06 August 2018 as submitted through the Sell2Wales portal. These were opened in accordance with the Council's Procurement Policy.
The tender results are addressed in the Part II report later on the Agenda.
Subject to Cabinet approval, the Council and Contractor will formally enter into the JCT Design and Build contract under deed ensuring the limitation period is 12 years. The scheme will be formally administrated by Richard Parfitt Associates (RPA) as appointed Employers Agent, who will agree and certify all contract matters including valuations.
The scheme will be registered with and regularly monitored through the Considerate Constructors Scheme, which is a formal requirement of the contract and will seek to ensure that there are excellent relations with the local community.
Formal progress meetings will be held every month and relevant officers will attend to record progress, ensure quality, monitor cost and to ensure an effective relationship is developed and maintained between all parties.

Full financial details will be addressed in the Part II Report included on the Agenda. The cost of the scheme fits within the development profile costs identified in the Housing Business Plan.

The scheme will meet Welsh Government Development Quality Requirements as a benchmark standard. All properties will exceed the minimum regulatory requirements for Part L: Conservation of Fuel and Power of the current Building Regulations, helping to make the homes affordable to run and thereby addressing fuel poverty. No renewable technologies are currently proposed.

The Development Manager will continue to liaise with the Council's Legal team on all legal matters concerning the project and it will be necessary for appropriate forms of contract to be formally executed.
The Development Manager will also continue to liaise with the Council's Legal and Estate teams on all necessary matters through the continuation of Project Team meetings on a monthly basis.

The scheme will meet Secure by Design, a standard part of the Welsh Government Development Quality Requirements, which ensures that the design and layout and technical specification reduces crime.

There will be training opportunities offered as part of the JCT Design and Build contract through targeted training and recruitment (as part of the First Job Opportunities Programme). This will be administered by the Council.
In addition, using the Value Wales Toolkit, local supply chains and investment can be monitored and formally reported back to Welsh Government.

Objective 2: Providing decent homes and safe communities.

Action: Increase the number of sustainable, affordable homes (2019/20)

This report is within the policy framework and budget and is a matter for Executive consideration by Cabinet. Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)
Consultation continues with officers from Occupational Therapy Services and Housing Management to ensure that the scheme will meet their requirements. Local Ward Members have also been consulted and any issues arising from this consultation will be tabled at this meeting for consideration by Cabinet.

None

Andrew Freegard, Development Manager - Tel: 02920 673291

Pam Toms - Operational Manager, Public Housing Services

Debbie Marles - Head of Legal Services

Caroline Michael - Operational Manager Accountancy

Miles Punter - Director of Environment and Housing Services