Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage Item 3

22 October 2002

Salterns Cottage, Lymington - Proposed Rebuilding

Joint Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

& the Director of Recreation and Heritage

1

Summary

1.1

The following decision is sought:

That approval be given to the construction of Salterns Cottage based on a revised estimate of £241,000, to support the operational needs of the site.

2

Reason(s)

2.1

To provide replacement residential Ranger accommodation associated with the management of the Lymington-Keyhaven Marshes Nature Reserve..

3

Other options considered and rejected

3.1

None.

4

Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or a member or officer consulted

4.1

Not applicable

5

Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1

Not applicable

6

Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1

Not applicable

Approved by:

..........................

Date of decision:

.........................

Councillor J Waddington

Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage Item 3

22 October 2002

Salterns Cottage, Lymington - Proposed Rebuilding

Joint Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

& the Director of Recreation and Heritage

1

Introduction

1.1

On 13 March 2002, the Executive Member, Policy & Resources approved a recommendation to proceed with the construction of a replacement Ranger residential and office accommodation at Salterns Cottage, Lymington. Subsequent to this decision, estimated costs for the project have increased due to a number of factors, principally additional infrastructure services costs for drainage and electrics; the requirements for the building's structure and services installations to comply with the local flood risk as identified by the Environment Agency and building price inflation in the current market.

1.2

A recent review of the project has been undertaken and the Director of Recreation and Heritage has re-affirmed the operational requirements for the on-site presence of a Ranger. Subsequently, it is recommended that additional funding is allocated from Policy and Resources and Recreation and Heritage Budgets to enable the project to proceed. This is in addition to the funding previously identified from Capital Receipts and a contribution from a neighbour as a share of the costs associated with a new sewage disposal system.

1.3

The Director of Property Business and Regulatory Services has reviewed the estimated costs and the project is considered value for money, particularly taking into account the abnormal costs associated with:

· The sensitive nature of the site and planning constraints.

· The type of building construction required to accommodate ground conditions and flood risk.

· The constraints of the site and restricted access for construction purposes.

· The shape and form of the building to fit with the footprint of the previous structure.

2

Programme and Funding

2.1

The Ranger and his family have been accommodated in temporary accommodation and it is proposed to defer commencing work on site until the Spring of 2003 to reduce the risk of constructing the building during the winter period. This will enable the project to be competitively tendered. Subject to receipt of acceptable tenders, it is anticipated that work will commence during April 2003 and complete in August 2003.

2.2

The proposed funding to match the current estimate (excluding costs of providing temporary accommodation) is as follows:

Recreation and Heritage share of Capital Receipt £100,000

Sale of property to adjoining neighbour £ 15,000

Landlord Capital repairs £ 18,000

(asbestos removal, drainage works etc)

Policy and Resources Capital contribution £ 50,000

Recreation and Heritage Capital contribution £ 50,000

Share of costs of drainage works from neighbour £ 8,000

Total £241,000

3.

Operational need

3.1

Salterns Cottage is situated next to Lymington Keyhaven Nature Reserve at one of the main entrance points to the reserve. It was purchased jointly by Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council in 1973. The building is provided to house the Countryside Ranger as a requirement to undertake his duties on the Lymington Keyhaven Nature Reserve and as an office and visitor point of contact in support of that work.

3.2

The Reserve forms part of the `Hurst Castle and Lymington River Estuary' Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the `Solent and Southampton Water' Special Protection Area (SPA)/Ramsar site and the `Solent Maritime' candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC). It is also located within the `South Hampshire Coast' Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Consequently it is a site of not only national but also international significance.

3.3

As such the designations recognise the importance of the site in terms of its coastal habitat, unspoilt landscape and populations of notable invertebrates and birds. Traditionally the preferred method of managing such reserves (especially with such a significant bird population) is to have a staff presence on site. The ability of the Ranger to carry out duties such as protecting the site from disturbance and unauthorised activities, overseeing bird counts and monitoring the success of breeding populations is greatly enhanced by living on the site. The reserve and its management has benefited time and time again from this continuous site presence when dealing with incidents such as disturbance, poaching and pollution as well as when carrying out everyday duties especially out of normal working hours. The location of the Ranger and office has also provided a valuable point of contact for local people and visitors enabling them to play an important part in helping to protect and enjoy the reserve. The rebuilding of the Salterns Office and Ranger accommodation will greatly assist in sustaining the management of such an important County Council asset.

Recommendation(s)

That:

1

Due to the operational needs associated with the building and the advice provided by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services a financial commitment of £150,000 is approved.