Decision details

Summary

Councillor Andrew Jarvis – Deputy Leader & Finance and Assets Portfolio Holder presented the report recommending to provide funding for the Environment Agency (EA) to undertake structural repair works to the riverside wall at Gooseholme to ensure that the flood defence works remain on programme.

Councillor Jarvis provided the necessary background, descriptions of deterioration to the wall, referenced temporary repairs completed last year, described the repairs and costs required and included the wider impact on the environment.

Following survey work and dialogue between SLDC and EA, it has been estimated that the cost of the repair works is in the region of £265,000. It was noted that this could potentially have a significant impact on the programme for the Environment Agency if the structural repairs are not undertaken to the section of wall within the Gooseholme area.

It was recommended that SLDC support the structural repair works up to a value of

£265,000 (the cost of the repair required to the wall which is SLDC’s responsibility), and that the EA deliver the repairs as part of the flood defence scheme to ensure that their programme is unhindered. It was proposed that SLDC use the EA’s contractor to benefit from having the designers and contractors already on board. EA will enter into the contracts with the contractor to carry out the works. This proposal also meant that there was only one Principal Contractor working in this area and complied with 2015 CDM Regulations 2015.

Councillor Dixon expressed gratitude for the progress and works planned. In addition, residents will be grateful for access to the footbridge in particular.

Decision

RESOLVED – That:-

(1)        funding in the sum up to £265,000 be transferred to the Environment Agency to undertake the structural repair work to the river side wall within the Gooseholme area;and

(2)        Authority be delegated to the Director for Customer and Commercial Services in consultation with the Lead Specialist for Finance and Lead Specialist for Legal, Governance and Democracy, to prepare and enter into the necessary funding and legalagreements.

Reasons for Decision

To provide funding for the Environment Agency (EA) to undertake structural repair works to riverside wall to ensure that the flood defence works remain on programme.

It was considered necessary to approve the works and contribution without such it would have significant impact on the EA’s programme and budget.

Potential re-design of the area may be needed if monies are not forthcoming and this would require additional planning applications, further business case review and put this area atrisk.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

To not approve the works or contribution. This would have significant impact on the EA’s programme and budget. Potential re-design of the area may be needed if monies are not forthcoming and this would require additional planning applications, further business case review and put this area at risk.