Issue - decisions

Background / Decision Summary:

Willow House is a council-owned former care home and brownfield site identified for redevelopment within the wider housing delivery programme. Executive approval on 7 October 2025 authorised the Director of Housing and Communities (in consultation with Finance and Governance) to take such steps as are necessary to procure, award and enter a contract with an enabling contractor to undertake site preparation works using Brownfield Funding received from York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority (“YNYCA”). These enabling works are essential to de-risk the site, address known constraints, and prepare it for future housing development.

Executive also noted on 14 April 2026 that a Brownfield Land Release Fund grant application to the One Public Estate (“OPE”) has been submitted to contribute to funding of the Willow House project delivery including the necessary enabling works; and pending the grant award, agreed to proceed with entering into a grant agreement to receive funding.

This decision is to proceed with a direct award via the Government Commercial Agency (“GCA”) Framework RM6088 (Construction Works and Associated Services), and enter contract for an enabling contractor, under the delegated authority given to the Director of Housing and Communities (in consultation with Finance and Governance) by Executive.

The procurement approach is compliant with Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and ensures the Council can utilise YNYCA and OPE Brownfield Housing Funding within required timescales.