Issue - meetings

Report HPR2022/048

The report presented the 2022-23 Quarter 1 update to the Housing, Planning and Regeneration Portfolio Plan.  The Committee noted that the Portfolio Plan would be reformatted and updated for the November PDS Committee. 

In response to a question, the Assistant Director for Culture and Regeneration explained that in terms of local shopping parades there had been some issues with the contractor and options for completing the schemes were being discussed with colleagues in Environment and Community Services.

It was noted that Officers would review the Chislehurst Library Redevelopment with a view to including the scheme in the Portfolio Plan if appropriate.

In response to a question concerning Private Sector Rented Accommodation, the Assistant Director for Housing explained that where possible the Council used self-contained accommodation, but this was becoming increasingly challenging.  The Council placed clients in HMOs only once appropriate checks had been undertaken.  The Committee noted that there had been less than 20 HMO placements in the last year.

The Committee noted that the reduction in the use of nightly paid units was the result of a number of factors including the conversion of properties, some limited luck in the private sector, and the impact of the Meadowship Scheme.  However, it was recognised that challenges would continue, and the Housing Options Team were facing mounting challenges.

In relation to Beckenham Public Hall the Committee noted that discussions with the local ward councillors were ongoing. Options would be presented to the Committee once finalised.

In response to a question concerning improvements to Bromley High Street the Assistant Director of for Culture and Recreation explained that issues regarding routine maintenance on the high street would need to be raised with colleagues in Environmental Services.

Turning to the redevelopment of Orpington, the Committee noted that Arelli had now withdrawn their initial proposals and were seeking to undertake a further consultation with a view to submitting revised plans.  The Portfolio Holder reported that there was a will to regenerate Orpington and the new proposals were awaited with anticipation recognising that any new proposals would be subject to planning processes.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.