Issue - meetings

To consider a report from the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment.

Decision

Executive Decision Notice - Weymouth Harbour & Esplanade Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategic Outline Case - Dorset Council

Reason for the decision

At its Annual Meeting, Council decided to continue to meet virtually for all non-executive committees. The Leader of the Council also decided that Cabinet should continue to meet virtually until social distancing requirements had been removed. Therefore, the Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services has made this decision taking into account the views expressed by the wider cabinet membership.

Weymouth Town Centre and parts of the surrounding area are at risk of flooding and coastal erosion. With a projected acceleration in sea level rise and more intense weather events because of climate change, the problems facing Weymouth will increase significantly.

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property presented a report that sought agreement to the Weymouth Harbour and Esplanade Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategic Outline Case for submission to the Environment Agency’s Large Project Review Group. It also sought authorisation to develop the Outline Business Case towards deliverable schemes for inclusion in Dorset Council’s future capital programme.

In response to a question, the Portfolio Holder confirmed that the impact of sea level rise was an issue that needed to be monitored in all the Council’s coastal areas; this was an ongoing programme of work.

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property presented his executive decision as set out within the recommendations of the report. Cabinet agreed that they were “minded to” support his decision.

Decision of the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property

(a)  That the Weymouth Harbour and Esplanade Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategic Outline Case (Appendix 1), be agreed, for submission to the Environment Agency’s Large Project Review Group.

(b)  That officers develop the Outline Business Case towards deliverable schemes for inclusion in Dorset Council’s future capital programme.

(c)  That the use of existing capital budget to deliver Outline Business Case be approved.

Executive Decision Notice - Weymouth Harbour & Esplanade Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategic Outline Case - Dorset Council

Reason for the decision

At its Annual Meeting, Council decided to continue to meet virtually for all non-executive committees. The Leader of the Council also decided that Cabinet should continue to meet virtually until social distancing requirements had been removed. Therefore, the Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services has made this decision taking into account the views expressed by the wider cabinet membership.

Weymouth Town Centre and parts of the surrounding area are at risk of flooding and coastal erosion. With a projected acceleration in sea level rise and more intense weather events because of climate change, the problems facing Weymouth will increase significantly.

To consider a report of the Service Manager – Major Projects.

The committee received a report of the Service Manager – Major Projects, with regard to the Weymouth Harbour and Esplanade Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategic Outline Case, which would be considered by Cabinet on 22 June 2021.

The Chairman referred to the documents that had been included with the report and noted that initial costs had been set out, a risk register included and that the report highlighted the next steps and associated funding issues.

The committee had no further comments to add.

‘Minded to’ decision

The Place and Resources Overview Committee have reviewed the paper due to be considered by Cabinet on 22 June 2021 and have no further comments to add.

The Executive Director of Place, confirmed the ‘minded to’ decision, under delegated powers on behalf of the informal meeting of the Place and Resources Overview Committee.