Archived decisions

Contact: Alan Inder, ext 6759

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That approval be given to minor variations in allocations within the coastal capital works programme.

2. Reason

2.1 Due to changing circumstances the need has arisen to fund minor new schemes instead of an allocated scheme that has been deferred.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected - Not applicable.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - Not applicable.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: .................................. Date: ................................

Councillor T K Thornber

7. Introduction

7.1 On 16 February 2001 the former Community Development and Conservation Sub-Committee approved a budget of £134,000 for 2001/02 to fund the coastal capital works programme. A schedule of proposed capital works was approved that included coastal defence works, environmental and access improvements, and studies and joint projects. In recent months it has become evident that one of the approved schemes must be deferred and other schemes have come forward that merit some financial support. Approval is sought for the necessary reallocations.

8. Capital Works

8.1 A sum of £20,000 was allocated in the 2001/02 coastal capital works programme for repairs to the sea wall on the north side of the Calshot Activities Centre, and £3,000 of that allocation has been spent on a study by consultants, who have put forward a solution that is likely to cost approximately £30,000. However, the scheme would require the consent of the Environment Agency, New Forest District Council and English Nature, who have advised that a formal submission should await the outcome of the West Solent Coastal Defence Strategy (due to be finalised by the end of 2002). If the Calshot scheme is considered to be in line with that Strategy it would ease the consent process, and possibly generate some grant-aid. It is therefore advisable to defer the Calshot scheme.

8.2 In recent months the County Council has been asked to give some financial support to four minor schemes, two of these cannot be dealt with under delegated authority and are set out below:

(i) A joint scheme with Fareham Borough Council to extend the coastal path eastwards from Hill Head Sailing Club for about 200 metres, to improve the appearance of adjoining land and to provide seating to enable people to enjoy the fine view over the eastern Solent. A contribution of £6,000 is sought from the County Council.

(ii) A joint scheme with Havant Borough Council to provide a more direct route for the Solent Way from Harts Farm Way to Brockhampton Creek that would cut out more than 600 metres of the existing route that runs along a busy road through an industrial estate. A contribution of £6,000 is sought from the County Council to provide a footbridge over a stream.

8.3 Two other projects have been dealt with under delegated authority. These include a small scheme of £2,000 to improve the appearance of Beachlands Pumping Station at Hayling Island at the request of the Bosmere Hundred Society. The second scheme intends to provide ramps and handrails to both ends of the sea wall at Meon Shore (west of Hill Head Harbour) at a cost of £3,000 following a request by the Fareham Access Group.

8.4 These four new schemes can be funded from the £17,000 that would not be spent on the Calshot sea wall scheme this year. Approval is sought for spending on schemes (i) and (ii) above.

6877/AI