Issue - meetings

1.  The utilisation of £500k from the assigned Operation Property Review budget for feasibility works at the Star Lane Traveller Site be approved;

2.  The intent to allocate resources for the delivery of the programme as set out in paragraphs 3.10 and 3.11 of the report, including procurement of necessary works and services to deliver the programme be noted;

3.  An engagement programme with the residents of Star Lane to support a timetable for a works programme be approved;

4.  The initiation of a planning application to make temporary use of the adjacent site to Star Lane for temporary pitches during a works programme be approved;

5.  Road Adoption of a road into the site be approved, and authority be delegated to the Director of Corporate Resources and Governance for any necessary legal arrangements of Road Adoptions; and,

6.  The corporate risk of the current condition of the site be noted.

Report HPR2023/052

On 30^th November 2022, Executive (and Full Council in December 2022) agreed the budget for the Operational Property Review programme to be added to the Capital Programme.  On 29 March 2023, Executive agreed the details of the Operational Property Refurbishment Programme, including proceeding to procurement for supporting services and works to deliver the Programme.

The Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) Site in Star Lane in St Mary Cray had been identified in the Operational Property Review as requiring significant works.  Whilst a provisional sum had been allocated for these works, it was not possible to confirm a works budget without more detailed surveys of the site, as well as community engagement of the best way of moving forward and progressing works on site. The report sought approval for utilisation of £500k from the Operational Property Review capital budget for feasibility and engagement works.

The report had been scrutinised by the Renewal, Recreation and Housing  PDS Committee at its meeting on 5 September 2023 and the Committee had supported the recommendations.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The utilisation of £500k from the assigned Operation Property Review budget for feasibility works at the Star Lane Traveller Site be approved;

2.  The intent to allocate resources for the delivery of the programme as set out in paragraphs 3.10 and 3.11 of the report, including procurement of necessary works and services to deliver the programme be noted;

3.  An engagement programme with the residents of Star Lane to support a timetable for a works programme be approved;

4.  The initiation of a planning application to make temporary use of the adjacent site to Star Lane for temporary pitches during a works programme be approved;

5.  Road Adoption of a road into the site be approved, and authority be delegated to the Director of Corporate Resources and Governance for any necessary legal arrangements of Road Adoptions; and,

6.  The corporate risk of the current condition of the site be noted.

Report HPR2023/052

The report provided an update on the Operational Property Review with respect to the Star Lane Traveller Site and requested £500k be utilised from the Operational Property Review capital budget to undertake feasibility and engagement works necessary to develop a detailed works programme. 

A Member welcomed the proposals for Star Lane Traveller Site and underlined the importance of placing community engagement at the heart of the works programme.  The Member raised a concern regarding the pace of previous site works and Portfolio Holder advised that this was primarily in relation to external parties, including utility companies.  The Local Authority was intending to engage closely with the residents of Star Lane Traveller Site and an internal project board had been established to drive forward the works in a timely manner.  The Local Authority was also working to engage with other stakeholders who had already built strong relationships with the Star Lane community.

RESOLVED: That the Council’s Executive be recommended to:

·  Approve the utilisation of £500k from the assigned Operational Property Review budget for feasibility works at the Star Lane Traveller site;

·  Note the intent to allocate resources for the delivery of the programme as set out in Paragraphs 3.10-11 to Report HPR2023/052, including procurement of necessary works and services to deliver the programme;

·  Approve an engagement programme with the residents of Star Lane to support a timetable for a works programme;  

·  Approve the initiation of a planning application to make temporary use of the adjacent site to Star Lane for temporary pitches during a works programme;

·  Approve Road Adoption of a road into the site, and delegate Authority to the Director of Corporate Resources for any necessary legal arrangements of Road Adoptions; and,

·  Note the corporate risk of the current condition of the site.