Decision details

The Cabinet will be asked to approve revised proposals regarding the redevelopment of the former Sacred Heart Convent as a 100% affordable housing scheme and the use of the former Weighbridge site for the installation of temporary housing accommodation units.

The Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Agree the conversion of the former Sacred Heart Convent site to provide circa 9 apartments and the construction of circa 17 new build houses in the surrounding grounds with associated car parking and amenity areas;

(ii)  Agree to use an existing entity within the Barking and Dagenham Reside structure (or the establishment, if required, of a new Special Purpose Vehicle within that structure) to hold the properties at the former Sacred Heart site;

(iii)  Approve borrowing of up to £6.1m within the General Fund to fund the refurbishment and construction costs of the affordable housing project;

(iv)  Agree to allocate £2m restricted Right to Buy receipts, if required, to fund the construction and professional fees to support the financial viability of the affordable housing project;

(v)  Approve the development of the former DVLA Weighbridge site to provide circa 96 homes for use by the Council’s Temporary Accommodation service as licenced accommodation, to be held in the General Fund;

(vi)  Approve borrowing of up to £7.714m within the General Fund to fund the development costs for the temporary accommodation project;

(vii)  Delegate authority to Chief Operating Officer, following endorsement by the Procurement Board, to approve the final procurement strategy for the project works;

(viii)  Delegate authority to the Chief Operating Officer, in consultation with Director of Law and Governance and the Cabinet Members for Finance, Growth and Investment and Economic and Social Development, to negotiate terms and agree the contract documents to fully implement and effect the proposals set out in the report; and

(ix)  Authorise the Director of Law and Governance, or an authorised delegate on her behalf, in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer, to execute all the legal agreements, contracts and other documents on behalf of the Council.