(a) That the Outline Business Case for the
Chesil Cove Seawall Improvements Scheme, be approved.
(b) That the full value of the project and
Dorset Council's capital contribution of up to £3.14 million towards delivery
of the scheme and inclusion of the scheme within Dorset Council's Capital
Programme, as detailed in section 7 of the report of 10 November 2026, be
approved
(c) That subject to confirmation of the external
funding and the scheme remaining within the approved overall budget, the scheme
be authorised to progress through to construction delivery including detailed
design, procurement, environmental assessment, planning, marine licensing and
other statutory approval processes.
(d) That Cabinet authorise the submission of the
Outline Business Case to the Environment Agency’s National Project Assurance
Service and any relevant approval body.
(e) That Cabinet authorise the ongoing drawdown
and acceptance of external Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Grant
in Aid and any additional external contributions secured for the scheme.
(f)
That
subject to the total expenditure remaining within the approved budget and
compliance with the Council’s procurement and financial regulations, authority
be delegated to the Executive Director for Economy and Environment, in
consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Cabinet Member for Place
Services, to procure and award all works and associated professional services.
Reason for the decision
To enable Dorset Council
to deliver a nationally significant coastal infrastructure resilience project
which protected people, property, businesses, strategic transport
infrastructure, economic activity, tourism and future investment,
including opportunities such as MEMO,
from the increasing risks associated with coastal erosion, landsliding and
climate change.
The proposal was
also expected to secure £7.34 million of external investment; deliver
approximately £42.9 million of economic benefits; provide high value for money
with a benefit cost ratio of approximately 3.9 and contribute directly to
Dorset Council's strategic priorities relating to economic growth, resilient
communities and climate adaptation, as well as other national strategic
policies.