Agenda item

The Cabinet considered improvements to Pershore Infrastructure. The details were set out in the report.

In the ensuing debate, the following principal points were raised:

·         The Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure introduced the report and commented that there were three elements to the scheme: the Northern Link Road, Pinvin Junction, and Station Road/Wyre Road Junction. The scheme would cost £11.6m, some of which had already been received from the LEP however the Council would be required to raise £5.6m. He particularly highlighted the improved access from Keytec Business Park to the A44 and the potential reduction in congestion and clarified the reference in the report should be to the B4083

·         The local councillor welcomed the proposals and associated timeframe for the work. The proposal was supported by the County Association of Local Councils and Pershore Town Council. Local businesses had also liaised with the Council to establish a link road between the two parts of the trading estate

·         The proposals were welcomed. The Council would need to borrow to complete the work but this was justified in terms of the substantial improvement in traffic flow in Pershore and the surrounding area as well as links to economic and housing growth. 

RESOLVED: that

a)    the implementation of Pershore Infrastructure Improvements, (Pershore Northern Link Road, Pinvin crossroads and Wyre Road/Station Road Junction) be approved in accordance with the report, as shown on the plan (Appendix B) to the report, subject to the confirmation of planning permission and surety of funding;

b)    the submission of a planning application for Pershore Infrastructure Improvements and applications for other relevant consents be approved, including those relating to environment, utilities and rail by the Council or by the relevant successful contractor as agent for the Council as Highway Authority;

c)    the commencement of a public engagement and information-sharing exercise regarding the scheme be approved; 

d)    the acquisition of the land required for the scheme, as shown on the red line plan (Appendix C) to the report be approved and, should it not be possible to acquire all the land by negotiation, the acquisition of necessary land and rights over land be authorised through making of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) and the Director of Economy and Infrastructure be authorised, in consultation with the Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Infrastructure, to finalise the details and make a CPO including any compulsory acquisition of rights required for the scheme; 

e)    the provision of up to £5.6M of Council funding to address the forecast funding gap for the scheme be approved, subject to sufficient external funding being secured to meet the total cost of £11.6M and relevant Local Transport Board approvals for the scheme;

f)     the Director of Economy and Infrastructure be granted delegated authority, in consultation with the Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Infrastructure, to finalise and award a contract and other necessary agreements for the delivery of the scheme subject to funding being secured; and

g)    TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL the addition of £11.6M to the Capital Programme with £6m being provisionally secured through Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and local district council and developer contribution for the purpose of completing the Pershore Infrastructure Improvement scheme.