Agenda item

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure explained that the outline business case marked the start of the process which would include gaining planning permission, the development of a full business case and the return of a report to Cabinet. The project would not progress if full funding had not been secured.

The bridge was part of the active travel policy for cycling and walking and would promote public health and safe cycling. Some people felt that a bridge was needed for cars but the Cabinet Member pointed out that that was a separate issue. £8.9 million of funding would be required for the project and after a contribution from Worcester City and the County Council, around £6.5 million would need to be found from third parties. The bridge would be useful in future as it was likely that under the South Worcestershire Development Plan more housing would be built in that area.

In the ensuing discussion the following main points were raised:

·       There were social, health, economic and transport benefits to support a new walking and cycling route. The bridge would link with existing cycle routes along the river.

·       For the Council’s contribution of £1.5 million, which had already been allocated for walking and cycling, the result would be a £9 million bridge which made good economic sense.

·       There were obvious benefits to physical and mental health.

·       Transport benefits were that congestion would be reduced and walking and cycling connectivity would be improved in the northern part of the city with increased links to national and regional cycle routes.

·       It was felt that other areas of the County made much better use of riversides and had created far more scenic paths than Worcester so it was good that this bridge was being built to enable access to the Riverside park – although it was really a natural place rather than a park.

·       The bridge would be good for development and tourism and added connectivity as it would link up to other cycle routes such as the one to the Three Counties Showground.

·       There was some concern that Section 106 monies would be required and had not yet been agreed as it was suggested that in some areas developers were trying to avoid paying their 106 money.

·       The bridge could improve journeys for car owners as it could get a number of cyclists off the roads and reduce the amount of braking needed for vehicles who encounter cyclists which in turn would reduce the amount of fuel being used.

·       Other works around the County were also being carried out to improve walking and cycling routes .

RESOLVED that Cabinet:

(a)  welcomed the contents of the Strategic Outline Business Case and authorised the development of a Full Business Case;

(b)  authorised the preparation of a Planning Application for the Kepax Bridge Project and delegated the decision to submit the Planning Application to the Director of Economy and Infrastructure in consultation with the Cabinet Member with Responsibility;

(c)  allocated £1.5m from the Capital Programme allocation for Walking and Cycling Bridges towards this scheme;

(d)  authorised the submission of funding bids to third parties for the completion of the scheme;

(e)  approved the expenditure of the funds necessary to complete the Full Business Case and to prepare the Planning Application up to the parameter for preparation set out in paragraph 19;

(f)    authorised the completion of a pre-planning public engagement exercise;

(g)  receive a further report regarding the project following the outcome of the Planning Application and with details of the Full Business Case and progress on funding applications; and

(h)  noted that commencement of construction would not occur until funding sources have been secured.