Decision details

The Cabinet Members agree that

1.  The provisional Capital programme item for Chew Valley Recreational Trail is changed from £1,000,000 to £1,519,285.

  £60,000 for 2020/21 and £1,459,285 for 2021/22.

2.  The approval to the Director of Partnership and Corporate Services is delegated in consultation with the S151 Finance officer is to;

i)  Enter funding agreement with WECA to fund investment in the Chew Valley Recreational Trail and demonstrate compliance with the pre-commencement funding project specific conditions of WECA & Rural Payments Agency funding.

 ii).  Move provisional capital approved to full approval upon entry to Funding Agreements and commitment to proceed with expenditure.

The figure of £1,000,000 was included in the provisional Capital programme as a cost estimate for the project using the information available at the time. Since then the cost of this project has been evaluated in detail, funding bids have been awarded and the cost is now estimated at £1,519,285.

Options for the route alignment were subject to detailed discussion  with B&NES Highways, Natural England & local private land owners, to ensure along with projected costing for detailed design, construction & future maintenance the route will ensure protection of wildlife & habitat and be a route that will be attractive and safe for users, and respects the wildlife. No other viable options were identified.