RESOLVED

That Cabinet recommends that Council (09 July 2014):

1). Are updated on due diligence undertaken over the past six months by the London Borough of Merton (LBM) and Circle Housing Merton Priory (CHMP) officers working together.

2). That Council notes the significant opportunity this project represents to improve housing conditions for tenants, leaseholders and freeholders and the potential contribution to addressing wider housing provision pressures in Merton and London.

3). Agrees to proceed with exploration of estate regeneration schemes for Eastfields, High Path and Ravensbury via:

(a)    Preparation, in partnership with Circle Housing Merton Priory of a statutory Estate Regeneration Local Plan Document setting out the strategic planning framework to guide any estate regeneration proposals;

(b)    Consideration of the Council’s statutory powers where appropriate, to help deliver the proposed Estates Regeneration Local Plan.

4). Adopts revisions to Merton’s Local Development Scheme as the project plan and timetable to prepare the proposed Estates Regeneration Local Plan, subject to the Mayor of London’s approval.

5). Resolves to suspend the obligation in the Stock Transfer Agreement dated 22 March 2010 (“Transfer Agreement”) on the part of CHMP to carry out the Qualifying Works (as defined in the Transfer Agreement) at High Path (South Wimbledon), Eastfields (Mitcham) and Ravensbury (Morden) to comply with the Decent Homes Standard for a period of up to 18 months subject to there being no legal objection or obstacle, to enable CHMP to explore the viability of estate regeneration schemes for the above estates, an agreed programme to regenerate the subject properties and the planning position being concluded including the formulation of an Estates Regeneration Local Plan. The period of suspension will commence from the date of 9th July 2014 and will also have regard to the date upon which the Deed of Variation is completed.

6). Resolves that the Director of Environment and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environmental Sustainability and Regeneration be authorised to approve consultation documents prior to public consultation, publish the Local Development Scheme (subject to its approval be the Mayor of London and other consequential matters in accordance with the appropriate Regulations).