Agenda item

Alex Dixon from Freebridge Community Housing will give an update to the Committee.

Minutes:

The Chairman introduced Alex Dixon, Director of Assets and Development from Freebridge Community Housing (FCH) to the Committee.

 

Mr Dixon explained that he had currently been in the post for 6 months having previously worked in the West Midlands.

 

He gave an update to the Committee on:

 

·        The redevelopment of the Blockbuster site

·        Phase 4, 5, 6 and 7 works at Hillington Square

·        Café at Hillington Square

·        Bidding for Section 106 properties

·        Other development sites at Great Massingham and West Winch.

 

The Chairman thanked Mr Dixon for his update and invited questions/comments from the Panel.

 

In relation to issues regarding funding arrangements, the Chairman referred to a presentation given to the Committee from Tony Hall, some time ago, where he referred to potential problems with future funding.  Mr Dixon agreed to investigate this with Mr Hall, as FCH had developed a five year plan and there had been no issues with funding.

 

Councillor Mrs Collop asked whether there was any way to make it easier for pedestrians walking past the Blockbuster site. 

 

Mr Dixon agreed with the comment made from Councillor Mrs Collop and explained that he had asked the contractor if they could pull the hoardings back.  However, the contractors had advised that as part of the health and safety plan they were not able to move the hoardings until such time as a wall had been constructed.  The contractors were working to an approved plan for the site.

 

In response to a query from Councillor J Collop, Mr Dixon explained that FCH were mainly purchasing 2-3 bed houses from developers through Section 106 agreements.  The developers had already discussed with Council Officers the demand for that area but mainly it was 2-3 bedroom houses.

 

In relation to the delay in the Universal Credit and the affect this would have for FCH, Mr Dixon explained that the effects would be the same as for the rest of the country, for example a gap in between time applying and receiving the credit. This could also have implications for rent arrears.

 

Mr Dixon explained that the café at Hillington Square was run by FCH and was self-sufficient and very well used.

 

Councillor Howman referred to garage vacancies and asked if any analysis had been carried out in relation to empty garages.  He added that if it turned out that the garages were impossible to let, could the area be regenerated.

 

Mr Dixon explained that a lot of analysis had been carried out which indicated that it was the size of the garages which meant that a lot of them were empty and sometimes used for storage.  He explained that people liked to park on the curtilage.  He provided the Committee with the options that FCH were looking at. 

 

With regards to one of the options of demolishing the garages and creating open parking area, Councillor Mrs Wilkinson expressed concern in relation to this and explained that in some cases the garages created privacy and security for some residents. 

 

Mr Dixon advised that FCH would consult with their customers as to what they wanted.  He assured Councillor Wilkinson that if they did take down a garage they would replace the rear boundary.

 

Mr Dixon explained to the Committee the bidding process for Section 106 properties.  With regards to Public Finance Borrowing Requirements, he would refer that to the FCH’s Finance Director to respond.

 

In response to a query from the Chairman in relation to what were the greatest challenges for FCH going forward, Mr Dixon explained that this related to the availability of land for construction at a reasonable price and size.  He explained that coming from the West Midlands he had noticed an increase in construction costs and felt that this was linked to the availability of labour.

 

The Chairman thanked Mr Dixon for attending the meeting.