The Director of Regeneration and Place introduced the report and noted that the revised scope and cost of the project had been re-presented to and endorsed by the Communities, Housing and Environment Committee on 5 October 2021.

In response to questions, the Director of Regeneration and Place stated that the advice given by FFT was appropriate, but that after further research traditional construction methods would achieve the best value for money. The project’s increased scope was attributed to the drainage infrastructure, greater dilapidation of the site than expected and constraints within the construction industry. It was confirmed that the Council would enter into a fixed price contract with the chosen contractor, with the risk of a price increase low due to the short construction period of under 24 weeks.

There had been significant communication between Kent County Council (KCC) as the sites’ manager, the Council and representatives of the Gypsy and Traveller Council to prepare for the works commencement alongside the measures in place for residents whilst they occurred. The scheme would be overseen internally by the Housing Client Team, with the works to be signed off in interim periods by FFT, acting as Contract Administrator and overall Project Manager. The informal aspiration to transfer the sites to KCC was reiterated, as no transfer would occur without the necessary works completion. 

The Committee expressed support for the proposed works and reiterated that the sites’ current conditions were unsuitable and should be improved, alongside the Council’s obligations as the landlord.

The increased cost was noted and it was felt that oversight of the project through the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the CHE Committee was required, as that Committee was responsible for the overall project.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The budget for the project within the capital programme be increased from £1million to £1.9million, with the balance coming from the affordable housing capital expenditure budget; and

2.  Oversight of the project and any potential cost movement be managed by the Director of Regeneration and Place in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Communities, Housing and Environment Committee.