Issue - meetings

Recommendation

It is recommended that Members approve the delegation of authority to the Corporate Director – Environment, in consultation with the Corporate Director – Resources, the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services, the Executive Member for Highways and Transportation and the Executive Member for Finance to:

       i.         accept full grants from WYCA and YNYCA subject to funding body Approval to Proceed and acceptable terms and conditions of grant being received.

Subject to i:

     ii.         agree the final terms of and enter into the construction contract to deliver the Harrogate TCF project with NYH

    iii.         delegate authority to enact project scope adjustments, if necessary, post-contract entry to maintain costs within budget or to seek additional funding.

    iv.         delegate authority to procure and appoint NEC 4 Project Manager and Supervisor and professional services necessary for contract management and delivery of the Harrogate TCF project.

Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Environment in which approval was sought to enter into a construction contract with North Yorkshire Highways and funding agreements with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority to deliver the Harrogate Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) project.  The TCF programme was funded by the Department for Transport and in Harrogate the aim was to support a shift towards more sustainable travel such as walking, cycling and using public transport in the vicinity of Harrogate Rail Station, whilst enhancing the street scene at a key gateway to the town centre.

The Executive Member for Highways and Transportation, Councillor Malcolm Taylor, introduced the item which would provide investment into the public realm in Harrogate.  The Corporate Director Environment, Karl Battersby, reported that three public consultation exercises had been undertaken, and the scheme amended following comments received.  The scheme represented one of the most significant investments in Harrogate in recent times and the proposal to use North Yorkshire Highways would ensure it was affordable.  It was confirmed that Traffic Regulation Orders being in place was not a pre-requisite of funding from the Combined Authority.

The Head of Legal Property, Planning and Environment, Catriona Gatrell, referred to a legal challenge brought against the Traffic Regulation Orders made in relation to the project.  Whilst the legal challenge had been dismissed, a recent ruling had granted the right of appeal to the Court of Appeal against the original decision, on the basis that there was a real prospect of success.  It was confirmed that in making a decision today the Council could rely on the high court decision which had been made in its favour.

Councillor Michael Harrison explained that the scheme would also include improvements to signalling on the A61 from the Royal Hall which would improve traffic flow through the town centre and the scheme had received cross-party support within the town.

Resolved (unanimously)

That approval be given to the delegation of authority to the Corporate Director Environment, in consultation with the Corporate Director Resources, the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services, the Executive Member for Highways and Transportation and the Executive Member for Finance to:

i.                accept full grants from WYCA and YNYCA subject to funding body Approval to Proceed and acceptable terms and conditions of grant being received.

Subject to i:

ii.              agree the final terms of and enter into the construction contract to deliver the Harrogate TCF project with NYH

iii.             delegate authority to enact project scope adjustments, if necessary, post-contract entry to maintain costs within budget or to seek additional funding.

iv.             delegate authority to procure and appoint NEC 4 Project Manager and Supervisor and professional services necessary for contract management and delivery of the Harrogate TCF project.

Reasons for recommendations

It is necessary for the Council to formally accept funding to comply with the Council’s governance procedures.

As the funding is above £500,000 this decision would normally be made by Executive. However, due to the need  ...  view the full minutes text for item 794