The Council is asked to note any statements made by Members of the Cabinet (Portfolio Holders).

Councillors may then ask questions of the Portfolio Holders on their statements.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning (Councillor Baker) made a statement in respect of the opening of the new Honeycroft Sheltered Housing Scheme at Lawford as follows:-

“Chairman, I am delighted to inform Council that the Honeycroft Project, the demolition of the sheltered scheme and its replacement with 13 bungalows for the elderly, and a community centre, in Lawford has recently been completed, and its achievement is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and collaboration of everyone involved, from our own staff and contractors alike.

I know that much of what I am about to say was probably said by our Chief Executive and the Leader of the Council at the event on Wednesday 13^th November, to which many people were invited, including the Ward Councillors, and the previous Portfolio Holder for Housing.

As most of this Council know, residents of the Honeycroft Sheltered Housing scheme were moved out in 2017, it was closed in 2018, and finally demolished in 2021 with Rose Builders of Lawford, being subsequently appointed as the Council’s contractor.

Having visited the site during construction on more than one occasion, I have seen the project continue at pace, and I will be visiting the site this coming Friday, as I was unfortunately unable to do so on the 13^th, to see the result.

As Mark and Ian said, this project is not just about putting something up to replace what was previously there, or putting a roof over people’s head. It is about enhancing the quality of life for our residents, and the environmental sustainability of this scheme is a vital aspect of its success. Innovative solutions have been implemented that will benefit the environment, the tenants who will live here, and sets a standard for any future projects. Energy efficient designs, the use of sustainable materials, all carefully designed to minimise environmental impact. This includes efficient heating, well-insulated, solar panels, keeping running costs low, combat fuel poverty and reducing the environmental impacts.

I also want to acknowledge the cross-party political support that has been crucial in bringing this project to life. It was started by the previous administration, and it is important to give credit where it is due. The vision and groundwork laid the foundation of what we have achieved, it is an example of what can be accomplished when we all work together, regardless of political differences, and shows our shared commitment to serving our community and making it a better place for all.

I would also like to publically put on the record, Mr Chairman, this Council’s thanks, firstly to our officers, from the initial planning stages to the final touches, and our contractors, Rose Builders, for their expertise, commitment and professionalism in delivering this project, on time and within budget.

Finally Mr Chairman, Residents will be moving in during the next few weeks, and I should also mention, that some of those residents have re-sized, and due to this, one fully adapted four bedroomed house, together with one three bed house, three two bedroomed flats and one, one bedroom flat, will be released back into our housing stock for allocation to those residents requiring such properties.

And this Council made a commitment when the previous residents moved out of the ‘old’ Honeycroft, that they would be at the top of the list for allocation to the new bungalows. That commitment has never wavered, and I am delighted to announce that two of the previous residents will be moving back in, in the very near future.

Thank you Mr Chairman.”