Neighbourhood Services Committee - 11/09/2017

At a MEETING of the NEIGHBOURHOOD SERVICES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 11th September, 2017.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor Kevin CORDELL, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 21st August, 2017 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor Marra declared a non-financial interest in Article V by virtue of being a member of Fields in Trust.

The Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services declared a non-financial interest in Article III by virtue of her partner's employment with Hillcrest Housing Association.

II LAST IN BLOCK SALES

There was submitted Report No 248-2017 by the Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services appraising the Committee of the ongoing operation of the Last in Block Sales Policy introduced in 2007 and its impact to date.

The Committee agreed:-

(i) that the Last in Block Sales Policy be continued to recycle capital receipts to provide wheelchair housing to meet identified housing need within the City;

(ii) that the Policy be amended to exclude ground floor level access properties to meet needs on the waiting list; and

(iii) that elected members be consulted on sales of last in block properties when these became available within their wards, and that sales of individual properties should not proceed unless full consultation had taken place.

III HILLTOWN REGENERATION - REDEVELOPMENT OF DERBY STREET

There was submitted Report No 250-2017 by the Chief Executive detailing the procurement and tendering process used for the new build affordable housing development at Derby Street, Hilltown and seeking approval of the price and allowances.

The Committee approved the acceptance of the tender price submitted by Wilmott Dixon Construction Ltd in the amount, including fees and allowances, of 26,182,316.55.

IV ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARD FOR SOCIAL HOUSING (EESSH)/EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION (EWI)

There was submitted Report No 277-2017 by the Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services updating members on progress towards meeting the EESSH Standard to the end of March, 2017. The Standard aimed to encourage landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their stock supporting the Scottish Government's vision of warm, high quality, affordable, low carbon homes for all.

The Committee noted progress towards meeting the EESSH Standard in the Council's housing stock as detailed in the report.

V FIELDS IN TRUST - DEED OF DESIGNATION - DRUMGEITH PARK

There was submitted Report No 281-2017 by the Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services seeking approval for the designation of Drumgeith Park as a Fields in Trust protected site.

The Committee approved the designation of Drumgeith Park as a Fields in Trust Designated Protected Site and it was remitted to the Head of Democratic and Legal Services to enter into a Minute of Agreement with National Playing Fields Association, operating as Fields in Trust.

VI TENDERS RECEIVED BY HEAD OF DESIGN AND PROPERTY

There was submitted Report No 286-2017 by the Head of Design and Property detailing tenders received and requesting decisions thereon:-

(i) INDIVIDUAL HOUSES 2017/2018 - HEATING, KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS

The Committee agreed to a negotiated project with Construction Services in the sum of 450,000, to which required to be added allowances amounting to 50,000, giving a total expenditure of 500,000.

(ii) MIDMILL DEVELOPMENT FLATS - WINDOW REPLACEMENT

The Committee agreed to a negotiated project with Construction Services in the sum of 233,445.68, to which required to be added allowances of 23,601.12, giving a total expenditure of 257,046.80.

Kevin CORDELL, Convener.