(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)
Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning) to consider the acceptance of grant offers from the Environment Agency (EA) to replace the existing Wave Reflection Wall, and the establishment of an additional engineering post.
The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:
|
Option 1: Accept the funding from The EA and create new Engineer post |
Option 2: Do Not accept the funding. Do not create no Engineer post. |
Advantages |
1. The project will replace the deteriorating wave reflection wall. 2. Maintain the current standard of flood protection to 12,000 properties in Morecambe 3. Enhance the aesthetics of the promenade and flood protection structure |
1. None |
Disadvantages |
1. Temporary disruption to the promenade as work is carried out. 2. Ineligible costs will have an impact on the councils capital programme, offset by additional revenue grant income |
1. The existing wave reflection wall will continue to deteriorate. 2. The risk of failure during a flood event will increase. 3. Properties will have a higher risk of flooding. 4. The wall will become an eyesore as it deteriorates and patch up repairs are carried out. 5. The lack of positive action will damage the reputation of the city council. |
Risks |
3. Insufficient capacity in Engineering Team to implement works. Addressed through proposed new posts. |
1. Will expose properties in Morecambe to a higher flood risk as wall deteriorates. |
Option 1 is the preferred option, to maintain the flood protection for Morecambe whilst taking the opportunity to improve the aesthetics of the promenade.
Councillor Hanson proposed, seconded by Councillor Smith:-
“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”
Councillors then voted:-
Resolved unanimously:
(1) That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer (Resources) to accept the grant offer from the Environment Agency (EA) to enable reconstruction of the Wave Reflection Wall (WRW) from Happy Mount Park to the Town Hall when received.
(2) That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer (Resources) to accept further grant offers from the EA for future phases of WRW reconstruction as and when received.
(3) That the Chief Officer (Resources) be authorised to make the necessary adjustments to the General Fund Capital Programme and General Fund Revenue Budget, subject to there being a nil impact on the Council’s resources.
(4) That existing resources be redirected to fund an additional engineering post as set out in the report.
Officers responsible for effecting the decision:
Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning)
Chief Officer (Resources)
Reasons for making the decision:
The decision is consistent with two Corporate Priorities namely; Health and Wellbeing and Clean, Green and Safe Places. The offer of funding from the EA enables the City Council to maintain an extremely important asset which provides flood protection to approximately 12,000 properties within the town. The proactive maintenance of this important infrastructure shows the City Councils commitment to regeneration in Morecambe.