Minutes:
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The representatives from Freebridge Community Housing provided an update on Diary Way and Wave 3 Funding.
The Chair thanked the representatives from Freebridge Community Housing and invited questions and comments from the Panel, a summary which is set out below.
The Chair, Councillor Devulapalli asked if the land at Dairy Way was to be accessible to the public.
The Head of New Homes and Commercial explained this was Biodiversity Net Gain credit site with neutral grass land with a therefore the intended use was to retain the wet land which would be restrictive to the public, but the consultation would identify different uses.
Councillor Colwell commented this was an exciting project and asked if pre discussion to the consultation were being had with Atkins Realis who are undertaking a flood management assessment in conjunction with King’s Lynn Internal Drainage Board. Councillor Colwell offered to liaise with Freebridge Community Housing and these third parties to ensure they are included in the consultation. He added there was a nervousness from residents about protecting the existing wildlife.
Under Standing Order 34 on Zoom, Councillor Bullen commented it was encouraging existing wildlife was protected and the consultation was important for residents to have their input.
The Head of Communications and Marketing confirmed the Norfolk Wildlife Trust had provided an overview of the existing wildlife on the site.
Councillor Heneghan sought clarification on the background of the site and if Freebridge Community Housing would be responsible for maintain this site.
The Head of Communications and Marketing explained the site was unused land which was purchased by Freebridge Community Housing for the community and not for future housing developments. She confirmed they would be responsible for maintaining the site.
Councillor Kemp congratulated Freebridge Community Housing on their achievements for improving EPC ratings which contributes to making King’s Lynn a Marmot place.
Councillor Colwell sought clarification on the percentage of their Housing Stock with an EPC rating of C.
The Energy and Sustainability Manager confirmed it was estimated 60 to 65% of stock would be EPC C rated by 2028 however this was dependant on other funding received.
In response to a further question from Councillor Colwell, the Energy and Sustainability Manager confirmed they are actively exploring additional funding.
Councillor Kunes echoed the congratulations to Freebridge Community Housing and commented on a resident who had an air source heat pump and solar panels fitted and this has improved their quality of life.
Portfolio Holder, Councillor Rust congratulated Freebridge Community Housing on their achievements and asked how many properties had low EPC ratings. She sought further clarification, if there was any prioritisation for houses with damp and mould issues.
The Energy and Sustainability Manager explained houses with lower EPC ratings were assessed and discussions were being have in terms of profitability and investment of these properties. He added a number of properties had low number of improvements to bring them up to the standard they needed to be therefore funding was being allocated to their properties. He advised the majority of their housing stock was an EPC rating D to A, 15 to 20% were EPC rating E or F along with a couple of properties with an EPC rating of G. He added, in the next two years housing with EPC rating F were to be eliminated. He confirmed, when funding was identified, retrofitting was considered to mitigate damp and mould along with improving the EPC rating.
In response to Councillor Bullen, the Head of Communications and Marketing confirmed Freebridge Community Housing owns 7,500 properties.