Agenda item

Reporting Person: Ray Morgan

Cllr David Bittleston provided an overview of the history of Sheerwater, which was built up in 1950s to rehouse 5,000 people who had been effected by the bombing in the Second World War One of the biggest issues was that the estate was built when few people owned cars however now-a-days there were at least two cars per household and parking had been a major problem.

The desire to build affordable and social homes and new leisure facilities in the area was discussed and it was previously suggested by a previous developer to knock down the centre of Sheerwater and re-build.  The previous proposals were supported by Council however funding prevented the project going forward.

Cllr Bittleston referred to the report detailing the scheme outline and that the Council had purchased 110 out of the 120 properties required, contract discussions were taking place with a further eight and then final two were in contact.  The work undertaken by officers, including Peter Bryant, Head of Legal and Democratic Services, Louise Strongitharm, Director of Housing and the Housing team was praised.  The 120 properties were previously Council Homes, however had been purchased through the “Right to Buy” Scheme and two thirds of these properties became private rents.

The CPO was required to ensure that acquisition for all other items, such as land was clear and prevented issues arising in the future.

Thameswey had managed to deliver the scheme on target, on budget and to deadline to date, with few impacts from Covid-19 due to forward thinking and ordering materials in advance and storing securely on site.  The Leisure facilities would be available for Bishop David Brown School to use by July 2021, and open to the public by October 2021.  The 92 dwellings in the purple phase of which 46 would be social rents and 46 market rent, would be completed by May 2021.  Preparation for work on the next phases - Red, Yellow and Copper, had begun.

Members were greatly appreciative of the update and history of the project that had been detailed.  Cllr Bittleston that once the public were able to see the finished product, there would be increased interest in the properties.  It was confirmed that more than 50% of the units would be rentals (similar pricing to the Kingsmoor Park properties) with the option to participate in the “Earn Your Deposit” Scheme.  The Purple phase would be 100% rental units.

Some concern was raised over future issues that may arise from the use of the Compulsory Purchase Order, and how Woking Borough Council would address these issues.  Cllr Bittleston addressed the potential issues and advised that the two properties that did not have an agreement in place were in the later phases of the programme, and the Tenant Liaison Team were working hard to provide suitable options for those who had not yet come to a decision.  The position of those living within the Red Line Zone, whether it be in temporary accommodation, tenants or homeowners, were reviewed regularly and reported to officers at the monthly Sheerwater Regeneration Officer Group meetings.

The aim of the project is to build facilities that a community needed, and therefore the leisure facilities would be delivered first, followed by the housing.  Compassion was voiced for any disruption caused to the public during this time, but their health and wellbeing would benefit from improved community facilities and infrastructure.

Within 50 years the project would have paid for itself, the properties would remain Council stock and therefore the Council would be able to continue to provide affordable housing to those who need it.

It was confirmed that 46% of the entire project would be social rent equivalent (Kingsmoor Park rates).  The Committee discussed the ongoing demand to produce more social homes within the borough, which was a priority for the Housing team which were being creative with Government funding to assist with meeting the housing need.  Mr Morgan added that further difficulties were faced for families affected by the benefit cap.

The positive impact of the completion of the Sheerwater Regeneration Project would have on the housing supply was discussed, and that the pressure on the Housing Register would also decrease as there would be more options of good quality properties available. 

Details of what a Thameswey Home meant was shared, and that the environmentally friendly homes would be affordable to run with efficient heating costs.  The estate would also include electrical vehicle charging points, bicycle provisions and sufficient parking spaces.

The flood risk was reduced from the town centre, through Sheerwater and to West Byfleet as a result from the Victoria Square development, which retained one third of the water leaving the site and relieved the pressure on the Rive ditch.  Members praised the environmental considerations within the development.

The Chairman thanked Cllr Bittleston and Mr Morgan for the update.