Decision details

As significant investment work is needed to bring five high rise housing blocks up to an appropriate standard, including intrusive and costly strengthening works, an options appraisal has been undertaken and a decision is needed on the future of the blocks.

These are the three Alderton Heights blocks in Alwoodley, and the two Gipton Gate West and East blocks in Gipton, with a total of 300 homes.

The recommended approach includes for all residents to be rehoused, with appropriate support for those who need it.  This would be needed whether blocks are being refurbished or are to be demolished to enable the development of new modern housing. 

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report presenting proposals regarding the three Alderton Heights high rise blocks in Alwoodley, and the two Gipton Gate West and East blocks in Gipton. The report outlined the proposed approach, including the proposal for all residents to be rehoused, with appropriate support being provided, and for subsequent demolition to clear the sites in order to enable the development of new modern housing.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member for Environment and Housing outlined the key aspects of the proposed approach, highlighting the positive resident engagement which had taken place to date.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the proposal to award ‘Band A’ housing priority and direct let status to tenants of the blocks.

Members also received further information on the costings associated with the options considered, and the reasons as to why the option of demolition to clear the sites to enable the development of new modern housing was being proposed.

Regarding the carbon footprint of the proposed approach, it was noted that, should the recommendations in the report be approved, then the intention would be to submit a further report to the Board around proposals for the development of new housing, with it being undertaken that further information regarding the carbon impact could be included within that.  In addition, and in response to a Member’s specific enquiry, the Board also received further information regarding the number of quality, energy efficient homes that were proposed to be developed, subject to a further report being submitted to the Board. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the rehousing of residents of secure tenanted flats in the affected blocks, as detailed within the submitted report be approved, and that approval be given for Home Loss and Disturbance payments to be made to qualifying residents, with it being noted that such matters will be supported by ongoing engagement with residents during implementation;

(b)  That the awarding of ‘Band A’ housing priority and direct let status to tenants of the blocks, be approved;

(c)  That the affected properties be declared as surplus, and that the suspension of lettings (to the flats and nearby garages), be approved, with any void properties being taken out of charge;

(d)  That approval be given for the negotiation and undertaking of the re-purchase of the leasehold flats, with approval also being given for compulsory purchase to be pursued, if a voluntary approach is unsuccessful;

(e)  That agreement be given that the buildings should be safely demolished, in order to create clear sites for future housing development;

(f)  That in parallel to the resolutions above, agreement be given that activity should be progressed to explore options for developing each site for new modern housing, and that this activity will inform a future report to the Executive Board presenting the revised proposals and the recommended options for the sites;

(g)  That expenditure of £5,339,200 from the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme to deliver re-housing and building emptying activity, together with the development of design proposals for the redevelopment of the cleared sites for new modern housing, be authorised;

(h)  That it be agreed that Initial Demolition Notices and Final Demolition Notices will be served by the Council at the appropriate time.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor Golton required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this Minute)

Residents of the affected blocks

Ward members in the directly affected wards of Alwoodley and Gipton & Harehills

Ward members in other wards, as consequential impacts arise

Executive Member for Environment and Housing

City Development and Legal Services

Civic Enterprise Leeds including Leeds Building Services, as internal service providers