Agenda item

This report provides an update on the community led masterplanning at St Raphael’s Estate, the infill ‘plus’ development now being progressed and detail on next steps.  The report also seeks authority to the allocation of the budget to proceed with the design of the remaining infill plus development sites and additional estate wide improvements.

Cabinet NOTED the comments made by Asif Zamir (Chair of St Raphs Voice) who had requested to speak on the item.  In addressing Cabinet, Mr Zamir outlined the important role of St Raphs Voice in representing the local community on the estate and disappointment felt at the fact full redevelopment was (at this current stage) no longer available as an option for residents to support.

Whilst understanding the reasons why delivery of the redevelopment masterplan was not currently considered to be financially viable, Mr Zamir highlighted concerns to ensure that the infill plus masterplan continued to be progressed on the basis of a community led approach in order to deliver the priorities and immediate improvements identified by residents on the estate along with the significant investment that would be required.  Alongside the design and delivery of new homes other priorities identified had included improvements to the care and maintenance of the estate, community and green spaces, public realm, waste management, traffic and parking, which residents were keen to ensure were progressed in order to improve the quality of life for all those living on the estate.

In responding to the comments, Councillor Southwood (as Lead Member for Housing & Welfare Reform), began by thanking Mr Zamir for addressing the meeting in order to highlight residents views and for the supportive and constructive way in which St Raphs Voice had continued to work and challenge the Council in order to provide confidence for residents in the process.  Whilst recognising the disappointment felt by residents that it would not be possible to offer the choice between full redevelopment and infill plus as options, an assurance was provided that the approach towards development of infill “plus” would continue to be community led and focussed on providing meaningful investment to secure real and tangible change for residents, which would also include the consideration of wider objectives such as health and economic recovery.  It was also confirmed, in response to the request from St Raphs Voice, that the approach being recommended to Cabinet would not prevent the option of full redevelopment being revisited, should circumstances in terms of the financial viability of the scheme alter at any stage in the future.

Having noted the response provided, Councillor M Butt (Leader of the Council) ended by welcoming the comments made by Mr Zamir on behalf of St Raphs Voice and Cabinet RESOLVED:

 (1)    To confirm its continued commitment to improving the lived experience on St Raphael’s through an ‘infill plus’ approach to the delivery of new Council homes.  This to include the delivery of resident priorities for green space and play space, streets and safety, community amenities, connectivity, health and employment.

(2)     To approve the allocation of £2.35m to enable commencement of the design of the Infill Masterplan, design of the wider estate improvements and the purchase and installation of a temporary community / project building, as described at paragraph 5 of the report.

(3)     To note the Resident’s Charter developed by St Raphael’s Voice, the content of which informed planning for the Infill Masterplan and to acknowledge the role and commitment of St Raphs Voice, the Resident Board on St Raphael’s, in the Future St Raphael’s project, to date and in the future.

Prior to consideration of this item, Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader of the Council) welcomed Asif Zamir to the meeting (as an online participant) who he advised had requested to speak as Chair of St Raphs Voice in relation to the proposals within the report that was due to be considered.

Outlining the important role of St Raphs Voice in representing the local community on the estate, Mr Zamir highlighted the disappointment felt by some within the local community that full redevelopment of the estate was (at this stage) no longer available as an option for residents to support in terms of the proposals outlined.

Whilst understanding the reasons why delivery of the redevelopment masterplan was not currently considered to be financially viable, Mr Zamir highlighted concerns to ensure that, subject to approval, the infill plus masterplan continued to be progressed working with the community in order to deliver the estate wide priorities and immediate improvements identified by residents on the estate along with the significant investment that would be required.  Alongside the design and delivery of new homes other priorities identified had included improvements to the care and maintenance of the estate, community and green spaces, public realm, waste management, traffic and parking, which residents were keen to ensure were progressed in order to improve the quality of life for all those living on the estate.

In responding to the comments, Councillor Southwood, as Lead Member for Housing & Welfare Reform, began by thanking Asif Zamir for addressing the meeting in order to highlight residents views and for the supportive and constructive way in which St Raphs Voice had continued to work and challenge the Council in order to provide confidence for residents in the ongoing estate regeneration process.  Whilst recognising the disappointment felt by residents that it would not be possible to offer the choice between full redevelopment and infill, an assurance was provided that the approach towards development of infill “plus” would continue to be community led and focussed on providing meaningful investment to secure real and tangible change for residents, including the consideration of wider objectives such as health and economic recovery.  It was also confirmed, in response to a request from St Raphs Voice, that the approach being recommended to Cabinet would not prevent the option of full redevelopment being revisited should circumstances, in terms of the financial viability of the scheme, alter at any stage in the future.

Having noted the response provided and commitment towards ongoing engagement with the local community and St Raphs Voice, Councillor Muhammed Butt thanked Asif Zamir for his contribution at the meeting.

Councillor Southwood then moved on to introduce the report, which provided an update on the community led master planning process along with the background as to why delivery of the redevelopment masterplan was no longer considered financially viable.  Whilst noting members disappointment that it would not currently be possible to offer residents the option of full redevelopment, Cabinet noted the potential to deliver significant place making improvements through the “Infill Plus” option now being progressed, which would include the early priorities identified for delivery, detailed within section 5.7 of the report.  Members were also supportive of the wider more significant list of improvements and investment identified by residents for consideration alongside the design of the homes for the Phase 1 site and remaining phases of the masterplan, as detailed within section 5.8 of the report.  The inclusion of a focus on wider Council objectives relating to health inequalities, education, culture, air quality and the climate emergency was also welcomed alongside the continued commitment to ongoing engagement with St Raphs Voice based on their Residents Charter.

In summing up, Councillor Muhammed Butt highlighted the ongoing focus on reconnecting with community groups moving forward from the pandemic in order to improve the lived experience for residents on estates across the borough, including St Raphael’s.  Whilst recognising the disappointment expressed by residents and members in terms not being able to offer full redevelopment as an option, he felt it important to note the challenges identified in relation to funding whilst highlighting the Council’s commitment to continue working with all partners and stakeholders in order to deliver the improvements identified.

Having noted the comments made, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)     To confirm its continued commitment to improving the lived experience on St Raphael’s through an ‘infill plus’ approach to the delivery of new Council homes.  This to include the delivery of resident priorities for green space and play space, streets and safety, community amenities, connectivity, health and employment.

(2)     To approve the allocation of £2.35m to enable commencement of the design of the Infill Masterplan, design of the wider estate improvements and the purchase and installation of a temporary community / project building, as described in section 5 of the report.

(3)     To note the Resident’s Charter developed by St Raphael’s Voice, the content of which informed planning for the Infill Masterplan and to acknowledge the role and commitment of St Raphs Voice, the Resident Board on St Raphael’s, both to date and in the future St Raphael’s project.