Decision details

A report was presented to Cabinet proposing  the purchase and conversion of a large  property in Edgar Road, Cliftonville.

The property is four houses, currently configured as a single property, consisting of rooms with en-suite bathrooms with shared lounges and kitchens. The property has been valued and the owner has indicated acceptance of an offer within the valuation figure, subject to contract.

There is sufficient funding within the council’s approved Live Margate programme to support the purchase. The property will be redeveloped within the HRA for Affordable Housing as self-contained family homes.

Cabinet agreed:

1.  To approved Live Margate programme;

2.  To design a scheme to convert the building into self-contained 2 bedroom flats, progress a planning application and appoint a suitable design team to progress the conversion;

3.  To consider a further report once the detailed conversion costs are known, so that the necessary funding can be included within the HRA capital programme and a contractor appointed.

The proposal is consistent with the aims of the Live Margate Programme to purchase houses in multiple occupation in Cliftonville and convert them to self contained homes.

Cabinet considered not buying the property. This was rejected. Securing an alternative building within Cliftonville is likely to be difficult, so not proceeding with this might mean that the remaining £1.6m in the Live Margate programme would need to be reallocated to other housing projects.