Decision details

Capital spend on the development of Gypsy and Traveller sites within the County

Decision Maker: Cabinet member commissioning, procurement and assets

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

 

Project 1

To seek approval to begin works to modernise and upgrade traveller sites owned/managed by the council.  The six sites and 53 pitches require works of further improvements.  The proposed works include, improvements to fencing, doors, electric meter and supply upgrade, improved security on sites, play areas and general site repairs identified in the stock condition survey. The six traveller sites are detailed in Appendix 1.

 

To seek approval to begin works to develop three additional traveller pitches.  The pitches consist of two at the Bromyard Site and one at the Grafton Site. Both sites are owned and managed by the council.  The development of the new pitches will attract an annual income of £11,700 and there is a waiting list of potential residents to take up tenancies for all these pitches.

 

Project 2

 

To seek approval to begin the design stage of the four proposed pitches and entrance works on a new site adjacent to the already existing site at Pembridge, complete a tender process and award a contract for the works and then carry out the construction works required to complete the project.

 

 

Decision:

That:

(a)       expenditure up to the value of £911,000 is approved for the development of two traveller site pitches at Bromyard and one at the Grafton site and the modernisation of 6 traveller sites across the county as detailed in Appendix 1 (Project 1)

(b)       an NEC 3 contract is awarded to SC Joseph Limited up to the value of £752,000 (inclusive of contingency) (Project 1)

(c)        expenditure up to the value of £30,000 for professional fees is approved

(d)       expenditure up to the value of £937,000 to commence and complete four pitches at the Pembridge Site (Project 2) is approved; and

(e)       the Assistant Director for Regulatory, Environment and Waste be authorised to take all operational decisions to complete project 1 and project 2.

Alternative options considered:

1.        Approval is not given for project 1 or project 2;

 

This option is not recommended as the council could fail in its duty contained in the Mobile Homes Act 1983. Site owners (the council) are required to ensure that their sites are kept in a good condition by maintaining pitch bases, utilities, amenity blocks and shared amenities. This option is not recommended as without a planned schedule of improvement works the sites could fall into disrepair.

 

The council will not fulfil its obligations with regard to its obligations under the Gypsy Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) and the mandate to spend this by Full Council will not be fulfilled.

 

Reason Key: Expenditure;

Wards Affected: Arrow; Bircher; Bromyard Bringsty; Bromyard West; Hope End; Saxon Gate; Wormside;

Consultees

Cabinet and Cabinet Member

Contact: Joni Hughes, Head of Chief Executive's Office Email: Joni.Hughes@herefordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01432 260598.

Publication date: 10/08/2020

Date of decision: 10/08/2020

Effective from: 15/08/2020

Accompanying Documents: