Decision details

9.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report in relation to the Grey to Green project.

9.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

approves the proposed scheme, as detailed in the report and with the timeline described in section 4.6 of the report, subject to the required funding package being in place;

(b)

notes that a capital approval submission has been submitted in the Month 4 Budget monitoring report for the necessary authority to undertake and procure the proposed works, in accordance with Council procedures; and

(c)

delegates authority to the Director of Creative Sheffield, in consultation with the Interim Director of Legal Services, Interim Director of Commercial Services and Interim Director of Finance to negotiate and agree any agreements additional to those in paragraph 2 of the report required to deliver the works for the scheme, subject to the required funding being in place.

9.3

Reasons for Decision

9.3.1

This is a final opportunity to access ERDF funding for delivering a high priority scheme. To draw down the full ERDF contribution, the project must start and complete by Autumn 2015. To meet this programme, it was necessary to progress the design and tendering process now hence the request for conditional approval in advance of the final SCRIF decision. The detailed design work had to be undertaken concurrently with the approval process but will be completed by the Cabinet date.

9.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

9.4.1

A more traditional reclamation and renewal of redundant carriageways could be undertaken and this group of highways was due for renewal in 2017 under the current Streets Ahead programme. However, this would simply replace like with like and a similar maintenance cost and would not deliver the transformative benefits outlined in the report.

9.4.2

Do nothing. For the reasons mentioned in Section 7 of the report this was not be a viable option. It would lead to further decline in the area, depressing property prices, sustainability of businesses which in turn would affect the Council’s National Non Domestic Rate income. Finally, because of higher risk of flooding, marginal it may be, translated into both lack of an appetite for new investment and higher insurance premiums. The Council’s own property in this area would suffer directly.

9.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

9.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

9.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Simon Green, Executive Director, Place

9.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing