Decision details

To provide a progress update on Phase 1 (covering properties at Cockayne Court, Arnette Avenue (odd numbers 97-107) and 154 Barkham Ride and to consider the long term future of the wider estate.

That the outcome of the feasibility work on the Gorse Ride estate be noted and the following be approved:

1)         the rehousing of tenants and acquisition of owner occupied homes and the subsequent demolition and redevelopment of the Gorse Ride estate (comprising all properties in Billing Avenue, Dart Close, Firs Close, Orbit Close and Whittle Close (excluding numbers 19 to 26), as well as, Gorse Ride South (numbers 8 – 42, even numbers only);

2)         the indicative development brief for the regeneration project;

3)         the proposed funding model, including the allocation of £28,015,683 Section 106 receipts (for the provision of affordable housing) towards the regeneration project and up to £2m from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for statutory compensation payments to tenants, in accordance with the Part 2 Report; 

4)         the selection of Wokingham Housing Limited (WHL) as the development partner for the regeneration project and Loddon Homes Limited as the end landlord for the new homes;

5)         that tenants living in the affected homes will be offered a new home on the regenerated estate on a lifetime assured tenancy with broadly similar terms to their current Council tenancy;

6)         that homeowners living in the affected homes will be offered a range of options to enable them to purchase alternative housing, including the option to buy a new home on the regenerated estate (or potentially off-site) with financial support where needed through an equity loan scheme (or similar); 

7)         that the Council transfers the site to Loddon Homes Limitedon terms to be agreed by the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Lead Members for Adult Services and Finance;

8)         that the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Lead Members for Adult Services and Finance, can agree the terms and sign off the acquisition of homes required for the project;

9)         that the site is appropriated for planning purposes under Section 227 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and Section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972;

10)       that the transfer of land and funding for the regeneration will be subject to WHL securing a planning consent for the scheme and the necessary Board approvals.