Decision details

Following WECA approval of the business case for Scholars Way, this Single Member Decision seeks approval to accept the funding for construction of the scheme.

https://westofengland-ca.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1072

(1)  To accept the funding provided by the Mayoral Combined Authority and to approve the spend of £2.984m.

(2)  To delegate authority to the Executive Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the S151 Officer, to accept the Grant Offer Letter from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority when it is received.

Objectives achieved as part of the project include:

·  Deliver priority infrastructure in B&NES for pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorised users.

·  Improve safety within the south of the city, particularly for vulnerable users, by enhancing accessibility and reducing the potential for conflict between walking, wheeling, cycling, public transport, and private vehicles.

·  Positively contribute to a reduction in transport-related emissions, and an improvement in air quality within the city centre, helping Bath to achieve net-zero carbon by 2030.

The alternative option is to wait until a Grant Offer Letter is received in full from the Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA). This 12-week process, in addition to the call-in period following the decision, will conclude in November 2025.  Following this, a six-week mobilisation period will be needed before works can start on site.

This will further delay the construction start date until later in 2026 and would further impact traffic mitigation measures planned for all other schemes due to begin construction in 2026.

The final option is not to proceed.  However, with allocated funding and a political commitment to deliver the scheme, it is agreed that this scheme should be progressed within the current timeframes outlined by the MCA for delivery.