Decision details

The Chair noted the progress that had been made since the last report.  Officers also reported that they were awaiting the outcome of a Levelling Up Fund bid.

Members raised concerns about how the emphasis and value was being placed on different parts of the project.  Officers confirmed that they would look to address this.  Members noted the change from Council housing to registered social landlord provision and that more needed to be done to reassure council tenants of the differences between the two provisions.  It was noted that the agreements included protections on rent and that this should be highlighted.

A Member raised a query as to whether the requested delegations in the recommendations should be made to the Cabinet Member, rather than to the Chair of the Housing and Growth Committee.  The Governance Officer confirmed that delegations under the current governance structure would continue to be made to the Chair.  Once the new structure was in place it would be to the Cabinet member.  Any existing delegations would be dealt with through a clause to allow the transfer of delegated powers as appropriate.

RESOLVED unanimously that the Housing and Growth Committee:

1. Noted the progress across the Brent Cross programme as detailed in the report; notably the start on site of above ground works for the first plots of Brent Cross Town, and the continued good progress of the station works programme.
2. Approved the approach to carry out works to the former Hendon Waste Transfer Station to remove the council liability to pay National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) on the vacant premises as set out in paragraph 1.39 of the report.
3. Delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chair to approve the form of the template Infrastructure Lease and template Service Charge Lease, pursuant to the project agreement, as set out in paragraphs 1.19 to 1.22 of the report.
4. Delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chair to finalise and enter into the required agreements to enable the drawdown of the primary substation and energy centre on Plot 59 to enable Brent Cross Town to deliver on the net zero carbon pledge for the new town as set out in paragraph 1.23 to 1.24 of the report. Agreements are expected to include;

                     i.        Grant by LBB of an infrastructure lease for Plot 59 and entry by LBB into associated documents required to facilitate the granting of the infrastructure lease for plot 59 and;

                    ii.        Grant by LBB of leases to various utility providers relating to the operation of the substation and energy centre on Plot 59. 

5. Delegated to the Brent Cross Programme Director to agree and enter into relevant agreements with BXSLP or directly with services providers to grant required wayleaves for telecoms or other services being installed for delivery of the Brent Cross Town development, utilising the standard council wayleaves process wherever applicable, as set out in paragraph 1.25 of the report.
6. Delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Chair to finalise the station construction contract as set out in the Exempt report.