Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Place Services.

(a)  That the Swanage Beach Coastal Protection Scheme outline business case be approved.

(b)  That the budget allocation within the Capital programme and as detailed in Table 1.0 section 7 of the report,be approved.

(c)  That the Outline Business Case be submitted to the Environment Agency’s National Project Assurance Service.

(d)  That the draw-down of all external Flood Defence Grant-In-Aid and Local Levy funding be authorised, on an ongoing basis throughout the duration of the project.

(e)  That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and Cabinet Member for Place Services, to procure and award the works and associated professional services.

Reason for the decision

·       Scheme delivery was required to provide resilience against coastal erosion and flooding.

·       National flood funding rules change on 1 April 2026, the outline business case must be submitted before 31 March 2026 to avoid the risk of extensive rework, delays, and additional costs under the new requirements.

·       The outline business case setting out the £4.987m project required cabinet approval before it could be considered for external funding.

The Cabinet Member for Place Services presented a report on the Swanage Beach Coastal Protection Scheme and outlined the need for enhanced coastal defences to address increasing risks from flooding and erosion.

The local member spoke in support of the proposal.

It was proposed by Cllr J Andrews and seconded by Cllr S Clifford

Decision

(a)       That the Swanage Beach Coastal Protection Scheme outline business case be approved.

(b)       That the budget allocation within the Capital programme and as detailed in Table 1.0 section 7 of the report,be approved.

(c)        That the Outline Business Case be submitted to the Environment Agency’s National Project Assurance Service.

(d)       That the draw-down of all external Flood Defence Grant-In-Aid and Local Levy funding be authorised, on an ongoing basis throughout the duration of the project.

(e)       That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and Cabinet Member for Place Services, to procure and award the works and associated professional services.

Reason for the decision

·            Scheme delivery was required to provide resilience against coastal erosion and flooding.

·            National flood funding rules change on 1 April 2026, the outline business case must be submitted before 31 March 2026 to avoid the risk of extensive rework, delays, and additional costs under the new requirements.

·            The outline business case setting out the £4.987m project required cabinet approval before it could be considered for external funding.