Agenda item

To provide the Committee with the final report for the Earlesfield Project.

The Cabinet Member for Housing presented the report, The report provided an update on the completion of the Earlesfield Estate project, following long standing issues within the Council’s housing stock.

The original project completion date had been set for 31 March 2025. Owing to delays on site along with supporting residents with complex needs, a revised completion date was set for 31 May 2025. These delays were monitored during the latter stages of the project to ensure that the revised target date was achieved.

119 properties in total have been completed under Phase 1 & 2 of this project. However, 2 properties had not been completed, due to issues around access. The following outcomes have been achieved through this project:

• Large quantities of products containing asbestos had been removed.

• Key components had been replaced in many of the properties; kitchen, bathrooms, central heating systems, windows and doors and rewires.

• Future repair and maintenance costs on these dwellings would be minimal for the foreseeable future.

• Residents have a safe and warm home they can live in for many years to come.

The Chairman and Members of the Committee congratulated all Officers involved for their hard work in the completion of the project.

One Member sought clarification around the outcome of the 2 properties that would not vacate their properties for work to take place.

It was clarified the 2 properties that did not vacate for work had been moved over to the Improvement Programme for key work components to take place. The residents of the 2 properties had complex needs, which is why the works could not be completed by 31 May 2025. It was more cost-effective to move the 2 properties over to the Improvement Programme for the replacement of key components.

The Director of Housing confirmed that approximately 300 properties were outstanding for electrical testing. However, gas checks were enforceable for entry.

The Cabinet Member for Housing confirmed the Earlesfield Project was for minor changes of tenants’ properties. The Council works alongside tenants for their availability prior to a visit taking place. 

One Member emphasised the brilliant work undertaken by Officers. A query was raised on whether a project of a similar nature would take place in another area of housing within the District.

The Cabinet Member for Housing stated there were no arrangements for mass programs at present. The Earlesfield Project was specific to asbestos removal.

A query was raised on whether Members could request to receive a copy of the schedule of works for improvements due to take place.

The Head of Service (Housing Technical Services) clarified the schedule of works for improvements was not published, due to being ongoing and set within the Council’s budget.

Stock condition surveys were completed every 5 years; however, some components may have a longer life period. On a yearly basis, prior to the improvements going ahead, the Council and contractors would communicate with the residents on upcoming works.

The Committee noted the contents of the report and the completion of the project on the Earlesfield Estate to resolve long standing issues within our housing stock.