Agenda item

Reporting Person – Beverley Kuchar

Following the decision of the Executive in July 2022 to undertake a fundamental review of the Housing infrastructure Fund (HIF) project due to concerns about the scale of the £53 million budget deficit, risks to the Council and the potential significant road closure, the Executive received a report which provided an update on the stages of the review and the position of the project.  Councillor Forster, Portfolio Holder for Key Projects, explained the background to the HIF project, the concerns around the original large scheme, and the work done on alternative design options to reduce the overall costs of the project.  The Portfolio Holder explained that the reviews undertaken by the Council had been presented to Homes England, however Homes England had confirmed it was not in a position to support any of the revised project proposals.  Therefore, by mutual agreement, the Council and Homes England had agreed to terminate the HIF project.  The Council would work with Homes England to reclaim costs spent by the Council.

It was noted that the Council would develop a plan for the Triangle site.  It was acknowledged that development of the site would take time as the Council only owned 80% of the site.  The need to bring forward housing on the site was highlighted.  The possibility of street art on the hoardings around the Triangle site was suggested.  The Executive heard that the Council would pursue discussions with the County Council for potential small-scale improvements to public realm and walking and cycling infrastructure on the south side of the bridge to enhance sustainable travel options.  It was hoped that the County Council would bid for Active Surrey funding to enhance pedestrian and cycle access.  Whilst it would be for the Council to determine the future use of the Triangle site as majority landowner, there would be some input from Surrey County Council as to possible future use of the site as determined by forthcoming proposals for the sustainable travel infrastructure.

The Executive welcomed that it would no longer be necessary to change the access to Day Aggregates, noting the concerns of residents to the proposals.  Also, the likely harmful effect of a potential three year road closure on residents and the economic prosperity of the town which had been part of the previous Council administration’s original HIF scheme.

Given the Council’s serious financial position and the concerns discussed by Executive Members, the Executive supported the proposal to terminate the HIF project.

RESOLVEd

That  (i)    Woking Borough Council discuss with Homes England how and when the contract for the HIF project is terminated;

          (ii)   costs incurred by Woking Borough Council are evidenced and presented to Homes England to request recovery;

          (iii)  the two planning applications for the Goods Yard are withdrawn as there will be no new road or rail infrastructure provided;

And further to note:

That  (iv)  Officers continue to seek refunds for advance payments to utility companies for diversion works they have not yet undertaken now that the infrastructure is not to be provided;

          (v)   a plan for the Triangle site is developed;

          (vi)  the Council pursue discussions with Surrey County Council for the potential small-scale improvements to public realm and walking and cycling infrastructure on the south side of the bridge to enhance sustainable travel options; and

          (vii) the Council pursue discussions with Network Rail for the potential visual improvements to Victoria Arch.

Reason:   In order to terminate the contract with Homes England in light of there being no further funding available to deliver the road and rail infrastructure.