Agenda item - Proposed demolition of HRA owned garages

Report of Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

(1)      That it be agreed to demolish eight garages (numbers 207-214) on Graham Avenue, Portslade, on grounds of health and safety, replacing them with HRA car parking spaces for rent.

72.1   The Committee considered the report of the Acting Executive Director Environment, Development and Housing which proposed the demolition of eight unused and unviable garages on Graham Avenue, Portslade, which had become unsafe to let.  Graham Avenue had three separate garage sites.  The report sought permission to demolish part of one site, namely eight garages (207-214). The demolition of HRA owned buildings required Committee approval.  

72.2   The report was presented by the Housing Stock Review Manager.  

72.3    Councillor Phillips stated that she was interested in the long term use of the site.  She referred to paragraph 6.2 which stated that in the long term the site could be redeveloped for affordable housing.  The report did not explain what scope there was for housing on the site.  She asked if parking on the site would make it more difficult to develop in the future.

72.4    The Housing Stock Review Manager explained that it was not a development report. The site was on a long list of potential sites for development.  If the recommendations were approved the provision of car parking spaces would not prove an obstacle to future development of the site. The Head of Housing confirmed that parking would not impede any future development.

72.5    Councillor Atkinson informed the Committee that he and Councillor Gilbey supported the recommendations, as Ward Councillors.

72.6    Councillor Barnett asked officers to ensure that the area was treated before work commenced to prevent rat infestation.  There had been a problem with rats on a similar site in Hangleton.  The Chair stated that officers would take her comments on board.

72.7    RESOLVED:-

(1)      That it be agreed to demolish eight garages (numbers 207-214) on Graham Avenue, Portslade, on grounds of health and safety, replacing them with HRA car parking spaces for rent.