Issue - meetings

RESOLVED that delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director Housing Management and Enforcement to award the contract for demolition of the Council-owned bungalows and ancillary buildings on Briar Close, Shirebrook to Dragonfly Development Limited.

Executive considered a detailed report, presented by the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Governance, which sought Member’s approval to award a contract for the demolition of 49 Council-owned bungalows and ancillary buildings on Briar Close, Shirebrook, to Dragonfly Development Limited.

Due to their condition, the bungalows were beyond their habitual economic lives, and it was not considered financially viable to undertake any extensive repairs and maintenance to them.

The bungalows were now vacant, and the affected tenants had been awarded an agreed home loss payment. Planning permission had been obtained for demolition of the bungalows and officers continued to explore redevelopment opportunities or sale of the site.

An indicative quote to clear the site in full, including removal of asbestos, service disconnection and removal of gas/electric meters, had been obtained. Therefore, a budget of up to £265,000 was required for demolition and clearance. The Assistant Director Housing Management and Enforcement, advised the meeting that since the publication of the report, the quote received from Dragonfly for £258.5k was slightly less than that stated in the report of £265k

Moved by Councillor Duncan McGregor and seconded by Councillor Mary Dooley

RESOLVED that delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director Housing

Management and Enforcement to award the contract for demolition of the Council-owned bungalows and ancillary buildings on Briar Close, Shirebrook to

Dragonfly Development Limited.

Reasons for Recommendation

There were no compelling reasons to retain the existing buildings, but there was potential for re-development of the site that would enhance amenity value of the local area and better serve the local community. However, leaving the buildings empty was likely to attract additional anti-social behaviour as well as incur costs to the Council in terms of council tax payments for the vacant bungalows. It was therefore recommended that Dragonfly Development Limited be appointed to demolish the Council-owned bungalows and ancillary buildings.

Alternative Options and Reasons for Rejection

The option to retain the bungalows was rejected due to their condition and the

significant amount of investment needed to get them to a decent home’s standard. Were they not to be demolished, the Council would continue to incur cost liability for Council Tax (£1,200 per week) and this would also further obscure void property performance. It was therefore in the interest of the Council to arrange demolition of the properties.

Councillor Steve Fritchley returned to the meeting.

Councillor Steve Fritchley in the Chair