Decision details

To consider the update

The Leader of the Council explained that there had been two reports submitted to the Executive. The first report was inclusive, but it set out financially sensitive information that was classified as exempt under statute (Item 9). For this report to be discussed by the councillors it would be necessary for the meeting to exclude the public and press (‘Part 2’). For reasons of transparency, a second report had been published which did not include the exempt information (Item 11). Having read both reports, the Executive and councillors present agreed to discuss the content of the second report in public session.

The Ash Road Bridge Scheme was a long-term infrastructure solution to the current and future issues posed by the Ash level crossing, including increased usage associated with housing growth in the Ash and Tongham area and greater barrier downtime resulting from enhanced rail use of the North Downs Line. The scheme would meet the requirements of the Local Plan.

The Lead Councillor for Regeneration noted that this was the largest infrastructure project that the Council was delivering and that good progress was being made.

The Executive was asked to approve the Council entering into a legal agreement with Homes England which would secure additional Homes England funding towards the delivery of the Ash Road Bridge Scheme, in addition to the £10 million of Homes England funding that had already been secured.

The Executive recommended to Council (13 April 2021):

That the Council approves the budget and funding strategy as set out in the budget and funding sections of the exempt (Part 2) report published with the agenda for this meeting; and

RESOLVED:

(1)   That the Executive agrees to proceed with the project, including the Council entering into the Deed of Amendment to the Homes England Funding Agreement and grants delegated authority to the Director of Strategic Services to negotiate to an agreed form and sign this draft Deed of Amendment with Homes England on behalf of the Council.

(2)   That the Executive approves the transfer of funds from provisional to approved programmes as set out in the funding section of the exempt (Part 2) report published with the agenda for this meeting to allow the road bridge and footbridge to proceed.

(3)   That the Executive approves the budget and funding strategy as set out in the budget and funding sections of the exempt (Part 2) report published with the agenda for this meeting (in so far as they fall within the Executive's power to approve).

(4)   That the Executive delegates to the Director of Strategic Services, in consultation with the Lead Councillor, authority to enter into such other contracts and legal agreements connected with this project as may be necessary within the approved budget.

(5)   That the Executive agrees that, due to the urgency of this matter, the call-in procedure shall not apply in respect of the decisions referred to in paragraphs (1) to (4) above.

Reason:

This was a unique opportunity to secure this level of central government funding towards the Ash Road Bridge Scheme and the land required to deliver an alternative road crossing of the North Downs railway line in close proximity to the Ash level crossing. The Ash Road Bridge Scheme forms a requirement of Policy A31 of the Council's Local Plan which allocates land for housing in Ash. Delivery of this scheme will also enable the closure of Ash level crossing, which will improve safety for highway and rail users and significantly reduce traffic congestion on the A323 and the use of alternative local roads to avoid the Ash level crossing.