Council - 15/10/2019

Sandwell

Metropolitan Borough Council

The Cabinet

7 th August 2019 at 3.30pm
at the Sandwell Council House, Oldbury

Present: Councillor Y Davies (Leader of the Council);

Councillors Ali, Crompton, Hadley, Lloyd, Shaeen,
Taylor and Underhill.

In attendance: Councillors L Giles, Moore, Rollins and Singh.

89/19 Minutes

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 17 th July,
2019 be approved as a correct record.

90/19 Review of Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005

Approval was sought to commence the mandatory consultation
process on the review of Sandwell’s Statement of Principles
(Gambling Policy).

The Statement of Principles was intended to meet the Licensing
Authority’s (i.e. the Council’s) obligations under Section 349 of the
Gambling Act 2005 (“the Act”). The Act required the Statement to
be reviewed every three years.

There were three licensing objectives central to the regulatory
regime created by the Act:-

• Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder,
being associated with crime or disorder, or being used to
support crime.

• Ensuring that gambling was conducted in a fair and open way.

• Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being
harmed or exploited by gambling.

The Cabinet - 7 th August 2019

The proposed changes to the Statement captured updated
information on demographics, as well as aligning it to Sandwell’s
Vision 2030 and reflecting operational changes within the Council.
Changes were not proposed to existing licence fees or enforcement
policy.

The changes would not have any implications upon groups with
protected characteristics under the Equalities Act, there were no
financial implications and the changes would not adversely affect
licensed premises. Consultation was therefore proposed for a
period of six weeks. This period was also in accordance with
Government guidance.

The Cabinet was advised that, whilst the Statement did not
specifically address issues around fixed odds betting terminals as
these were regulated by the Gambling Commission, the Council
maintained close working relationships with regulators to monitor
gambling behaviour across the Borough and support enforcement
activity.

Appended to the Statement was a guide for members on how they
could make representations about premises that they had concerns
about. It was also reported that designated licensing enforcement
officers were taking a more pro-active role in developing intelligence
and support options for those with gambling addictions.

The updated Statement had been drafted in consultation with
partners, in recognition of the impact that gambling had on the
Borough’s population and economy.

Resolved that approval be given to undertake mandatory
consultation on Sandwell’s revised Statement of Principles
under the Gambling Act 2005, as now submitted.

91 /19 Designation of Nature Conservation Sites

The Cabinet was informed that, following the conduction of
ecological surveys, carried out Massey’s Bank (Hawfield Road),
Peakhouse Farm, Tanhouse Avenue, and the East of Wilderness
Woods and Wilderness Lane, the sites had been identified as
having the potential to be designated as nature conservation sites
or have their status amended.

The Cabinet - 7 th August 2019

The Sandwell Site Allocations and Delivery Development Plan
Document (SAD DPD) formed part of Sandwell’s Local Plan. It set
out land use policies, allocated land for specific uses or purposes
and identified infrastructure requirements to achieve sustainable
communities and development within the borough.

Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) and Sites of
Local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLINCs) were
designations identified in the SAD DPD and formed part of the
Borough’s environmental infrastructure. Such spaces were of
importance as they had the potential to increase levels of physical
activity, improve mental health, contribute to environmental benefits,
reduce the urban heat island effect, and benefit high quality
residential development. The environmental infrastructure of the
borough also provided an important ecological and educational
resource.

Of the four sites surveyed, two were recommended to be upgraded
to a SLINC, one had been upgraded and extended from a SLINC to
a SINC, and one had maintained its SINC and SLINC status, with
its SINC boundary being extended.

Whilst SINCs and SLINCs were not subject to statutory protection,
the designation within the SAD DPD provided a level of protection
from development by making their status a material planning
consideration.

The recommendations in relation to these sites had been endorsed
by the Local Sites Partnership (LSP), which consisted of the four
Black Country authorities, Birmingham City Council, Birmingham
and the Black Country Wildlife Trust, EcoRecord, Geodiversity,
Natural England, The Environment Agency and botanists. The LSP
was responsible for approving any new sites put forward for listing
and then ensuring the endorsement/adoption of those sites by their
own organisations.

Resolved

(1) that land at Massey’s Bank, Hawfield Road, Tividale,
identified in the map at Appendix 1, be designated as a
Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation;

The Cabinet - 7 th August 2019

(2) that land at Peakhouse Farm, Wilderness Lane, Great
Barr, identified in the map at Appendix 2, be upgraded
and its designation extended from a Site of Local
Importance for Nature Conservation to a Site of
Importance for Nature Conservation;

(3) that land at Tanhouse Avenue, Great Barr, identified in
the map at Appendix 3, be designated as a Site of Local
Importance for Nature Conservation;

(4) that approval is given to the partial extension of the Site
of Importance for Nature Conservation in relation to land
at the East of Wilderness Woods and Wilderness Lane,
Great Barr, identified in the map at Appendix 4.

92/19 Delivering New Homes - Construction of New-Build Council
Homes at Albion Road and Bull Lane, West Bromwich

Approval was sought to the development of Council-owned sites off
Bull Lane and Albion Road, West Bromwich with five Council-owned
affordable rented homes.

It was proposed to demolish three defective one-bedroom
bungalows affected by subsidence at Albion Road, West Bromwich,
and re-develop the site with two two-bedroom bungalows. One two-
bedroom bungalow and two four-bedroom houses would be
constructed on vacant land off Bull Lane, West Bromwich.

A full project appraisal had been undertaken by the Financial
Planning Team, which had considered two other options - disposal
of the sites on the open market and redevelopment with a
registered provider partner with assistance from Flomes England
grant funding. The chosen preferred option would contribute
towards the Council’s aspiration to increase Council owned,
affordable rented stock, in line with the requirement set out in the
Flousing Revenue Account Business Plan approved by the Cabinet
on 8 th February 2017 (Minute No. 21/17 refers). Several potential
design solutions had been considered to bring the sites forward for
beneficial use, with the provision of five units being the most
financially advantageous. In addition to social benefits, the project
would also attract New Flomes Bonus and additional council tax

income.

The Cabinet - 7 th August 2019

The financial modelling for the project included a bid for grant
funding from the Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes
Programme. There was also funding available from the balance of
1-4-1 replacement receipts generated from the sale of HRA
dwellings under the Right to Buy scheme. A bid for funding to
Homes England would also be considered. Building costs would be
funded from the HRA.

The proposal would be subject to planning consent and public
consultation on the proposals would be undertaken as part of the
statutory planning process.

Resolved

(1) that approval is given to the demolition of three defective
one-bedroom bungalows, and the redevelopment of
approximately 729.9 square metres of land off Albion
Road, West Bromwich (shown for identification
purposes only at Appendix 5) for the construction of two
two-bedroom bungalows, subject to planning consent;

(2) that approval is given to the development of 918.4
square metres of land off Bull Lane, West Bromwich
(shown for identification purposes only at Appendix 6),
with a new-build council housing scheme comprising
two four-bedroom houses and one two-bedroom
bungalow, subject to planning consent;

(3) that, in connection with (1) and (2) above, subject to the
necessary consents being received, the Executive
Director - Resources allocates a sum of money to fund
the project;

(4) that, subject to (1) and (2) above, the Director-
Regeneration and Growth, in consultation with the
Director of Housing and Communities, be authorised to
prepare tendering documentation and in accordance
with the public procurement rules, the Council’s
procurement and financial regulations and the
requirements to enter into, or execute under seal, any
financial agreement in relation to the Homes England
grant on terms and conditions to be agreed by the
Executive Director-Resources;

The Cabinet - 7 th August 2019

(5) that subject to (1), (2) and (4) above, the Director-Law
and Governance and Monitoring Officer enters into or
executes under seal any documentation in relation to
the award of the contract and/or
development/partnership agreement, licence,
undertaking and any other agreements with the
procured contractor/s and with Homes England, as may
be deemed necessary to facilitate development of the
site with a housing scheme on terms and conditions to
be agreed by the Director-Regeneration and Growth;

(6) that, subject to (1), (2), (4) and (5) above and following
practical completion of each property, the Director-
Housing and Communities be authorised to manage and
let the premises in accordance with the Council’s
housing allocations policy;

(7) that the following action points identified within the
Appraisal Report be implemented to reduce any risk to
the Council:

• Prior to submitting an external funding bid to Homes
England, the project programme is reviewed to
ensure that the project will be delivered by March
2021 .

• A strategic plan is produced, prioritising sites on a
value for money basis; assessed against pre¬
determined criteria and alternative options for
achieving the Council’s housing objectives within
each area.

• Prior to submission of the external funding bid, the
planned use of Right to Buy receipts be reviewed to
ensure that Homes England funding for the project
offers the most financially advantageous source of
That the Risk Register is reviewed to ensure all risks
are identified and adequately mitigated.

• Roles and responsibilities for monitoring the contract
be determined with Accord Housing Association.

The Cabinet - 7 th August 2019

• That a project programme is produced to assist the
successful delivery of the project within projected
timescales.

(8) That a method for the evaluation of project outcomes is
determined and a date for the completion of the project
evaluation is confirmed.

93/19 Procurement: Asbestos Removal Works and Related Services
Framework 2019-2023

Approval was sought to appoint three specialist asbestos removal
contractors to a four-year Asbestos Framework.

Currently asbestos removal work was undertaken through the
Solihull Framework, or procured in accordance with the Council’s
procurement procedures. The proposed new Framework would
ensure continuity of works, reduce the cost and time associated
with asbestos removal and allow income generation from external
partners.

The Framework would be available for use by all local authorities in
West Midlands, educational establishments maintained by the
Department for Education in West Midlands, including schools,
universities and colleges (but not independent schools), Registered
Social Landlords (Flousing Associations), third sector organisations
in West Midlands, Central Government Departments, Local
Government and Public Corporations in West Midlands (as detailed
in the Public Sector Classification Guide) and, NHS authorities and
Trusts in West Midlands. All organisations would, however, be
required to complete an Access Agreement. It would also include
for works where the Council was acting as agent for external clients.

It was estimated that 25% of expenditure through the Framework
would be from the Council, with the remaining 75% by other public-
sector bodies. The Council had no overall demolition budget and
each project (identified by the relevant Council directorate) would be
evaluated by the Strategic Investment Unit. It was anticipated that
the works would cover a wide range of projects ranging in value
between £1,000 and £200,000 plus. Individual contract(s) on
Council land and properties that were subject to demolition would
require public consultation as part of the Statutory Planning
process.

The Cabinet - 7 th August 2019

Following a competitive tendering exercise, Insulation Contract
Services Ltd., Central Environmental Services Ltd. and Erith
Contractors Ltd. had been evaluated as the most economically
advantageous submissions.

Resolved

(1) that the Executive Director - Neighbourhoods, in
consultation with the Executive Director - Resources
(Section 151 Officer), appoint Insulation Contract
Services Ltd., Central Environmental Services Ltd. and
Erith Contractors Ltd. to the Panel of Asbestos Removal
Contractors on the Asbestos Removal Works and
Related Services Framework 2019-2023;

(2) that, subject to (1) above, the Director - Law and
Governance and Monitoring Officer enter into, or
execute under seal, any documentation in relation to the
award of the framework contracts and/or other
agreements with Insulation Contract Services Ltd.,
Central Environmental Services Ltd. and Erith
Contractors Ltd. to undertake asbestos removal works
to council owned properties and partners’ properties.

94/19 Repairs and Maintenance to Concierge, Door Entry, CCTV and
Security Systems

Approval was sought to award a contract for repairs and
maintenance to concierge, door entry, CCTV and security systems
across Sandwell for the period 1 st September 2019 to 31 st August
2023.

The current contract was due to expire on 31 st August 2019 and,
following a competitive tendering exercise, 48 expressions of
interest had been received and evaluated. The tender had been
divided into two lots comprising CCTV Control Room and CCTV
infrastructure (Lot 1); and High and Low-rise Door Entry systems
(Lot 2). Only two of the 48 tenders had been found to be complaint
and Openview Security Solutions (also the current contractor) was
the only contractor to tender for the Lot 1 works.

The Cabinet - 7 th August 2019

The anticipated value of the contract was £886,025.00 over the
four-year period and would be funded from the Housing Revenue
Account.

The Cabinet was informed that there would be a requirement within
the contract to offer apprenticeships and work experience
opportunities.

Resolved

(1) that the Director-Housing and Communities award the
contract for Repairs and Maintenance to Concierge,
Door Entry, CCTV and Security Systems across
Sandwell for the period 1 st September 2019 to 31 st
August 2023 to Openview Security Solutions Limited;

(2) that in connection with (1) above, the Director-Law and
Governance and Monitoring Officer enter into an
appropriate contract with Openview Security Solutions
Limited.

95/19 Procurement: Urban Design and Building Services Repairs and
Maintenance Framework - 2020-2024

Approval was sought to explore the potential of a joint initiative to
procure and manage a suite of frameworks for building repair and
maintenance services, capital construction projects and other public
property related functions across West Midlands.

The current framework arrangement with Solihull MBC, which was
administered by Acivico (a company wholly owned by Birmingham
City Council) was due to end on 31 st March 2020. A review of the
services provided under the current framework had been carried out
and on-going management costs from the main framework provider
had be assessed as too high to be sustainable moving forward. It
was therefore proposed to explore other framework arrangements,
with the possibility of joining the Construction West Midlands
framework.

The Cabinet - 7 th August 2019

Sandwell MBC and Acivico each had a diverse property portfolio
which varied greatly in age, size, type, purpose, occupancy and
condition. Each party had a significant capital programme planned
and required a very comprehensive repairs and maintenance
service.

A partnered framework would provide added benefits around
reducing duplication of cost and effort, avoiding a rival framework
scenario, enhanced presence generating greater interest from the
industry reducing its costs and providing a larger pipeline of work
and greater economies of scale and resilience.

It was anticipated that the Framework would be delivering
approximately £48million by the end of the four-year term, through a
combination of internal growth (Acivico and Sandwell MBC
customers) and external growth from other contracting entities
joining the framework throughout the contract term. This external
growth is likely to generate income for the administering partners
i.e. Acivico and Sandwell MBC.

The refreshed Construction West Midlands Framework would be
procured in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.
There was a risk that the framework commencement date
specifically for the repairs and maintenance would not align with the
on 1 st April 2020 start date, therefore interim arrangements would
be required to allow on-going works to be delivered in the interim.

The co-opted frameworks would continue to be directly managed by
their respective contracting authorities. A Strategic Steering Board,
with nominated members of each party, would be established to
provide direction for the development of the suite of frameworks.

Details were still to be ratified, however, it was proposed that the
new frameworks would be made available to all public customers,
fee-free at the point of access, with a levy being collected from
contractors on all works they successfully delivered through the
frameworks. The levys would then pay for management fees etc,
with surpluses to be distributed amongst partners.

The Cabinet - 7 th August 2019

Resolved

(1) that the Director-Regeneration and Growth, in
consultation with the Executive Director-Resources
(Section 151 Officer), enter into discussions with Acivico
to be part of the re-tendered Construction West
Midlands Frameworks;

(2) that the Director-Regeneration and Growth, in
consultation with the Executive Director-Resources
(Section 151 Officer) determine a temporary solution
with the current framework provider (Solihull MBC) to
extend on a short-term basis or on an interim basis with
another provider, should it transpire that the
Construction West Midlands framework cannot be
operational by April 2020;

(3) that the Executive Director-Resources, the Director-
Regeneration and Growth and the Director-Law and
Governance and Monitoring Officer finalise discussions
and agree terms and enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding with Acivico;

(4) that, subject to (3) above the Director-Law and
Governance and Monitoring Officer enter into or execute
under seal any documentation in relation to the award of
the framework contracts and/or other agreements as
may be deemed necessary.

Contact Officer: Stephnie Hancock
Democratic Services Unit
0121 569 3189

The Cabinet - 7 th August 2019

Appendix 1-4 Site Maps

Plan 1: Massey’s Bank (Hawfield Road)

Massey's Bank (Hawfield Road)

SandweD

Massey's Bank (Hawfield Road)

Site boundary and recommended
SLINC boundary

O Crown copynght and database rights 2019. Ordnance
Survey Licence No 100023119.

You are permitted to use this data solely to enable you to
respond to. or interact with, the organisation that
provided you with the data.

You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute,
or sell any of this data to third parties in any form

north Not to scale

The Cabinet - 7 th August 2019

Plan 2: Peakhouse Farm
(revised)

Peakhouse Farm

SandweD

Peakhouse Farm

Survey Area and recommended SINC
boundary

north Not to scale

O Crown copyright and database rights 2019, Ordnance
Survey Licence No 100023119.

You are permitted to use this data solely to enable you to
respond to. or interact wrth, the organisation that
provided you with the data.

You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute,
or sell any of this data to third parties in any form

vised)

Plan 3: Tanhouse Avenue

The Cabinet - 7 th August 2019

Tanhouse Avenue

o<

Tanhouse Avenue

□ Site Area and recommended SLINC
boundary

north Not to scale

O Crown copyright and database rights 2016, Ordnance
Survey Licence No 100023119.

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respond to. or interact with, the organisation that
provided you with Ihe data.

You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute,
or sell any of this data to third parties in any form

Plan 4: East side of Wilderness Wood & Wilderness Lane

The Cabinet - 7 th August 2019

Wilderness Wood and Wilderness Lane

Survey Boundary

Recommended SINC boundary

© Crown copyright and database rights 2019. Ordnance
Survey Licence No 100023119.

You are permitted to use this data solely to enable you to
respond to. or interact with, the organisation that
provided you with the data.

You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute,
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north Not to scale

1 :500

Notes

The Contractor will be responsible for setting out the work.
All Dimensions must be obtained or checked on the site.
Figured dimensions to be used in preference to scale.

Appendix 5

Key Plan.

HI

m

m

s

-

| Issue | Date |

Issue Not^.

| By | Check|

Sapclwell

Metr^^Kan Borough Council

Project Title

Bull St, Albion Roat;

Location

Albion Road
West Bromwich

Sheet Title

Existing Site R|^n

Status

DRAF T

Drawn by

CFoxall

Scale at A1

1:50Q

Classification

AE(O-)

Sheet No.

01

Suitability

Pi

Ver/Rev

Q18046

Contractors Drawing No. (if required)

Urban Design & Building Services

Sandwell Council House
Freeth Street,

Oldbury.

B69 3DE

Tel : 0121 569 4541