Agenda item

Cabinet Agreed

1.         That the contract to design, supply and install 8 No modular “Move On” accommodation homes and associated works for the Aragon Close project in Hemel Hempstead be awarded to Hill Partnerships Ltd via a direct award through the Catalyst Housing Framework.

2.         That delegated authority be approved to the Council’s Assistant Director (Corporate and Contracted Services) to execute and complete all legal agreements ancillary to the JCT Minor Works Contract 2016 and/or reasonably required to complete the Project, including (but not limited to):

a)         all professional appointments;

b)         collateral warranties; and

c)         Agreements under

S.38, & S.278, of the Highways Act 1980;

S.247, Part III of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990;

S.104 of the Water Industry Act 1991, and

S.50 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991

Items CA/093/21 & CA/094/21 were discussed together

Cllr Griffiths stated that the principal contractors are Podular, a self-contained pod accommodation, which she has been out to see and approves of. It comes with everything inside, and they are also getting funding from the government for this. She added she and David Barratt would take any questions on this.

Cllr Elliott thinks the pods are a great idea, but commented that he would not want stigma to be attached to it, so they might need to think about how they dress it up.

Cllr Griffiths acknowledged this comment, but she believes that it might work the other way, they might look so nice that the rest of the area looks not as nice in comparison.

David Barratt agreed, stating that the area will be given a separate name and street address to keep it separate. He noted that normally he would come for approval with a planning approval in place, but that is on the agenda for the committee to discuss on the 2^nd December. In order to realise the funding, they need to move on ahead, so subject to a successful planning committee outcome, they will be in a position to place the order immediately to get the funding. David also noted that the contractor, Hills, have a charitable foundation that have gifted a unit to them for the project, so the contract sum will reduce, which they are currently finalising.

Cllr Griffiths mentioned that the site was put forward for housing about 10 or 15 years ago, so there have been challenges with the site, but finally they have been able to secure a development that works that Willstone Parish Council are happy with. She expressed her support of this.

Cllr Anderson asked if there was a location plan they can provide.

David explained it is to the right of the pub in the main road, close to the garages. The location map was displayed on screen. David explained that there are 6 houses planned there, one of which is wheelchair accessible, with increased sustainability, electric vehicle charging, air source heat pumps, and insulation to a high standard.

Cllr Barratt asked about the square footage of each house.

David stated he cannot do that now, but will get it to Cllr Barratt, however it is designed in accordance with national state standards.

Cllr Barratt asked if they are all 3 bed properties.

David answered they are a combination of 2 bed and 3 bed properties.

Cllr Williams stated the recommendation on this one is to award the contract to Life Build Solutions, and asked if this one already has planning permission.

David confirmed that is correct.

Cabinet Agreed

1.         That the contract to design, supply and install 8 No modular “Move On” accommodation homes and associated works for the Aragon Close project in Hemel Hempstead be awarded to Hill Partnerships Ltd via a direct award through the Catalyst Housing Framework.

2.         That delegated authority be approved to the Council’s Assistant Director (Corporate and Contracted Services) to execute and complete all legal agreements ancillary to the JCT Minor Works Contract 2016 and/or reasonably required to complete the Project, including (but not limited to):

a)         all professional appointments;

b)         collateral warranties; and

c)         Agreements under

S.38, & S.278, of the Highways Act 1980;

S.247, Part III of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990;

S.104 of the Water Industry Act 1991, and

S.50 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991