Cabinet Member for Regeneration

Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Economy and Community and the above Cabinet Member which set out details of the commitment made to date in funding preliminary investigation works to determine if the rebuilding of the opening bridge at Faversham Creek opening bridge is a viable option.  Subject to viability being established the report also requests approval to commit £200,000 capital funding as a contribution to the rebuilding costs.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration set out the background to the report.  He drew attention to the recommendations and the conditions attached to recommendation (2) which he considered to be necessary and reasonable given the status of the bridge and its relationship with the Creek. 

A Member welcomed the proposal but considered that reference to approval of the neighbourhood plan within the list of conditions should be removed.

In response to queries, the Cabinet Member for Regeneration stated that Swale Borough Council’s planning services had been in consultation with English Heritage about the minor points they had raised.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration explained that with regard to the existing footpath along the northern basin, the bottom of the Creek was owned by Sondes Estate and the wharfage by BMM Weston, and in terms of rebuilding the wharfage there needed to be a firm agreement between Sondes Estate and BMM Weston about whether they were willing to allow a new wharfage.  He concluded that in terms of the bridge itself and activities around the bridge it was important to ensure footpaths and green spaces around the bridge were included.

In response to a query, the Cabinet Member for Planning clarified that Neighbourhood Plans were set by the local community and not by the Local Authority.

The Leader of the Council made the point that as highways and related infrastructure are not statutory duties of the Borough Council, the Council was only considering making such an investment because of the regeneration benefits that would be represented by the agreement of the proposed neighbourhood plan.  Hence the condition relating to the approval of the neighbourhood plan by referendum was entirely appropriate.

RESOLVED:

(1)  That the allocation of £200,000 capital funding from the reserves, as a contribution to fund the works required to replace the Faversham Creek swing bridge subject to satisfactory completion of the feasibility study be approved.

(2) To provide delegated authority to the Director of Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and the Cabinet Member for Finance to release the allocation of £200,000 subject to:

- Viability established through the technical work;

- A robust costing and a full funding package to be in place;

- Access to the northern bank of the basin secured to create new wharfage;

- Appropriate licensing approvals in place;

- Adequate arrangements secured for the operation and maintenance of the bridge in the long-term;

- Final design of bridge, gates and sluices agreed;

- Approval of neighbourhood plan.