Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing on proposals regarding the future of the two Highways housing high rise blocks in Killingbeck, Leeds. The report outlines how the blocks have exceeded their original design life, requiring significant investment to bring them up to the standards that the Council wishes for its residents. Following an options appraisal being undertaken, the report recommends to take forward the option to demolish the buildings on the site, with future redevelopment of council homes in this location.

The Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report on proposals regarding the future of the two Highways housing high rise blocks in Killingbeck, Leeds. The report outlined how the blocks had exceeded their original design life and required significant investment to bring them up to the standards that the Council wished for its residents.

The submitted report and the appended options appraisal document set out several potential options for progressing this matter, as follows, with Option 3 being recommended to the Board:-

Option 1: Clearance and demolition over the next ten years;

Option 2: Clearance and demolition of the site;

Option 3: Clearance and demolition and redevelopment of the site with new build Council homes;

Option 4: Refurbishment of the blocks.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on how the proposal to demolish the site and replace with new build properties was more financially and environmentally sustainable over a 60 year period than the proposal to refurbish the existing buildings. It was also highlighted that the building of new properties enabled the standard of accommodation to be improved in line with the Council’s ambitions.

Confirmation was provided that consultation had been undertaken with the local Ward Councillors and the tenants who were supportive of the proposals.

Members’ comments regarding the Climate Emergency text within the submitted report and the need for more comprehensive information to be added in future was acknowledged. It was highlighted that such comments would be taken into consideration when drafting future Board reports, however, it was emphasised that Leeds was one of the first Council’s to routinely incorporate such information into its Executive reports. Also, it was noted that some subject areas were currently easier to provide a forecast or measure potential impact than others, a situation which would evolve as research in this field developed.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report and the appended options appraisal document be noted;

(b)  That the properties of 62-121 Highways, Killingbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS14 6AS and 1-61 Highways, Killingbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS14 6AT be declared as being surplus to requirements;

(c)  That the Board’s agreement be given to take out of charge the properties of 62-121 Highways, Killingbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS14 6AS and 1-61 Highways, Killingbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS14 6AT;

(d)  That the Board’s agreement be given for the buildings on the site to be safely demolished, thus creating a clear site for future use;

(e)  That the serving of an initial demolition notice, in line with Housing Act processes, in respect of tenants wishing to exercise their ‘Right to Buy’, be approved;

(f)  That the Board’s agreement be given for the site being developed as part of the Housing Growth programme, enabling new Council housing to be built on that site in the future;

(g)  That it be noted that a separate report will follow from the Council Housing Growth Programme, which will detail and request approval for the proposed replacement housing scheme.