The Cabinet has decided to award a contract for the construction of modular housing at Bluebell Hill temporary accommodation project.

URL: https://democracy.tmbc.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1884

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: (Decision Notice D250104CAB)   (Reasons: Part 2 – Private – LGA 1972 Sch 12A Paragraph 3 – Financial or business affairs of any particular person   The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health detailed the tenders received for the Bluebell Hill temporary accommodation project and sought approval to award the contract.   A supplementary report, published in advance of the meeting, provided more detail in respect of an assessment of an enhanced scheme and information on risks to the project.   Due regard was given to the financial and value for money considerations, the funding arrangements and the detailed proposals for a base or enhanced scheme as set out in the reports.   Careful consideration was also given to the assessment of risks and a register for the project had been developed. This would continue to be reviewed throughout the scheme to ensure risks were identified and mitigated as far as reasonably possible.   Members observed that the units were good quality and built off site rather than the true definition of modular.  These units also had a life span of circa 100 years and were not considered a temporary solution.   The importance of retaining flexibility around opportunities to grow the site if further funding became available was also recognised.   On the grounds of demonstrating best value for money and accessing Local Authority Housing Fund grant,  providing an alternative to nightly paid temporary accommodation, making best use of land assets and helping households to secure suitable accommodation, Cllr Betts proposed, Cllr Keers seconded and Cabinet   RESOLVED:  That   (1)            delegated authority be granted to the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health and the Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive to enter into a Design and Build contract for the enhanced scheme for the construction of modular housing at Bluebell Hill former commuter car park with the lead tenderer (as detailed in the report);     (2)            it be noted that the amount tendered was within the original budget proposal;   (3)            it be noted that the design phase only would be committed to initially;   (4)            delegated authority be granted to the Cabinet Member for Finance, Waste and Technical Services and Deputy Leader, in consultation with the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health and the Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive, to agree the gateway approval to move to the build stage of the contract; and   (5)            delegated authority be granted to the Cabinet Member for Finance, Waste and Technical Services and Deputy Leader, in consultation with the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health and the Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive, to use the Local Authority Housing Fund grant to purchase street properties for use as temporary accommodation should the enhanced scheme for Bluebell Hill project become undeliverable.

Date of Decision: September 2, 2025