SUMMARY/PURPOSE
1.
To acquire Woodington, subject to detailed planning
permission being approved and to formal approval of funding for the scheme from
the Department of Transport.
BACKGROUND
2.
Undercliff
Drive is an important section of the Island’s highway infrastructure which
links the West Wight to the coastal towns of Ventnor, Shanklin and
Sandown. It is also a vital part of the
tourist route around the Island.
3.
Minor damage
had occurred to the road over a long period of time and in 2001 a major
landslide caused damage to the highway.
Four sections of the highway have been identified as requiring remedial
engineering works to reinstate the highway, including moving the route inland.
4.
Consultant
engineers, Highpoint Rendel, have undertaken detailed investigative works and
have subsequently submitted a planning application for the remedial works. The Department of Transport credit approvals
is expected to support up to £12.88 million to fund this scheme.
5.
One section
of the highway requires realignment and the acquisition of land is needed to
accommodate this new route. The
property known as ‘Woodington’ needs to be acquired and demolished to
accommodate the route. The terms of
this acquisition are detailed in the confidential report annexed.
PLANNING IMPLICATIONS
6.
A planning
application for the reinstatement of Undercliff Drive has been submitted and
provision of the road will be subject to planning consent being obtained. The planning decision is expected in January
2005.
7.
The
Undercliff is a sensitive area in terms of planning use and includes areas
designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Sites of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSI).
STRATEGIC CONTEXT
8.
Transport is
one of seven key themes that have been identified in the development and
implementation of the measures set out in the Council’s Community Plan. The transport theme is being led by the
Quality Transport Partnership (QTP) who look to see how transport on the Island
can be improved, including integration and accessibility and reduce accidents
and congestion.
9.
The Council
use this information in conjunction with the Local Transport Plan (LTP). The LTP takes into account a range of
existing national, regional and European policy, including Planning Policy
Guidance 13 for Transport and Regional Planning Guidance 9.
10.
By
implementing this scheme and approving this acquisition the Council will help
achieve the goals and objectives set out in both the regional and national policies
as set out above.
CONSULTATION
11.
Consultation
has taken place with the local Town and Parish Council, local Members and
Officers. The Council’s Consultants
have also held a two day public meeting where local residents were invited to
raise their concerns and issues regarding the proposal. English Nature have also been consulted
throughout the planning process.
FINANCIAL/BUDGET
IMPLICATIONS
12.
The owner has
indicated his willingness to sell on terms set out in the attached confidential
report. The Council’s consulting
surveyor is recommending the acceptance of those terms.
13.
The cost of
this acquisition will be met from the funding anticipated from the Department
of Transport for this scheme.
(a)
The details
of the consideration are set out in the confidential report annexed to this
report.
(b)
The
acquisition is subject to planning consent being granted.
(c)
The
acquisition will be with vacant possession on completion.
(d)
The
acquisition is subject to contract.
(e)
The Council
is to be responsible for meeting all reasonable legal costs incurred by the
sellers.
(f)
The Council
is to be responsible for meeting all reasonable surveyor’s costs.
(g)
The Council
to be responsible for the removal of, and any other provisions relating to bats
in the property and the adjacent woods.
LEGAL
IMPLICATIONS
14.
An
acquisition by way of formal deed.
15.
OPTIONS
(a)
To acquire Woodington, subject to detailed planning
permission being approved and to formal approval of funding for the scheme from
the Department of Transport.
(b)
To consider
another route.
(c)
To do
nothing.
EVALUATION/RISK
MANAGEMENT
16.
There are two
alternative routes to the one being proposed.
One would follow the original alignment, but would require a costly and
substantial ‘bridge’ to facilitate it.
In engineering terms this option is not really viable. The second alternative would be to take the
road behind ‘Woodington’ towards the base of the Undercliff itself. This option will effectively sever two properties
– ‘Woodington’ and the neighbouring property ‘Timber’. The Council would then be open to
substantial compensation claims and possible blight. The relative lack of viability of the alternative routes is such
that no detailed cost benefit analysis has been prepared and they are not offered
as options.
17.
To do nothing
will leave Undercliff Drive open to further deterioration and will likely
result in its closure in future on safety grounds. Members will recall that the improvement works at Beauchamp House
in 2002 were temporary and with no further works the future of Undercliff Drive
will be uncertain.
18.
By acquiring
this property the Council avoids the need to consider alternative routes and
the use of statutory powers. Such a
situation will cause a substantial delay in undertaking the scheme and the
funding currently in place could be lost.
|
RECOMMENDATIONS 19.
To acquire Woodington, subject to detailed planning
permission being approved and to formal approval of funding for the scheme
from the Department of Transport. |
BACKGROUND
PAPERS
20.
A3055 Undercliff Drive Environmental Statement –
July 2004.
Contact
Point : Kevin Gillett, Property
Services, ( 823467
email: [email protected]
