Decision details

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.     Considers the responses from the consultation as set out in the Appendices 2&3 and the related petition hearing that took place in January 2023;

2.     Agrees to the existing sheltered housing schemes at Yiewsley Court and The Gouldings being decommissioned and re-purposed as ‘short life’ accommodation within the Council’s managed housing portfolio;

3.     Note that Planning consent is required to implement the change of use to ‘short life’ and that Officers will, subject to a decision by Cabinet, submit the necessary application for determination;

4.     Agrees that tenants at Yiewsley Court be decanted to suitable alternative accommodation which best meets their needs and preferences and be paid Statutory Home Loss and Disturbance payments, where eligible;

5.     Agrees that tenants at The Gouldings be given the options to remain at The Gouldings as a general needs tenant or exercise the choice to be decanted to suitable alternative accommodation which best meets their needs and preferences;

6.     Delegates any further decisions required in respect of implementation of this matter to the Corporate Director of Central Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, noting that decisions relating to individual tenants will take account of any equalities issues.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services introduced the report and noted that a review of housing dedicated to older people had indicated an over-supply of sheltered housing accommodation. It was explained that the purpose of the report was to consider the repurpose of two schemes, following consultation, as short life accommodation to meet the needs for temporary housing and to reduce the cost of this.

It was explained that Yiewsley Court was a small, older scheme opposite a much larger and newer scheme where planning permission would be required to change the use of the scheme to short life accommodation. The Cabinet Member explained the consultation that had taken place with residents on this, including a petition which the Cabinet Member had heard, noting that the housing team at the Council would work sensitively with residents to find appropriate transfers to alternative accommodation.

In respect The Gouldings scheme in Uxbridge, it was noted that this was a mixed scheme within a tall tower block and, therefore, not ideal for sheltered housing and those residents with more limited mobility. It was explained that in this case, residents would have a choice to remain or be accommodate in more appropriate accommodation.

Cabinet agreed to the proposals outlined in the report. The Leader of the Council noted the pressure on housing demand, and welcomed the consultation and the sensible and proportionate measures put forward to change this use of accommodation.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have increased the number of other properties used for short-life accommodation but noted that this would not bring forward a relatively large number of vacant properties and would not address the disproportionate amount of the Council’s housing stock dedicated to older people.