Agenda item

This report relates to the Whittlesey Southern Relief Road Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC). 

Members considered the Whittlesey Southern Relief Road SOBC report presented by Councillor Seaton.

Members made comments as follows:

·         Councillor Mrs Laws stated that she welcomes the content of the report not only in her position as a Whittlesey Town Councillor but also due to the lobbying that is taking place concerning the traffic issues on the A605. She added that she would welcome the opportunity to sit on the project board that Councillor Seaton had alluded to.

·         Councillor Mrs French stated that she is pleased that this is going ahead for the residents of Whittlesey who have waited many years for this.

·         Councillor Count stated that his own experience of siting on the Kings Dyke Project Board did include a great deal of input from local members which, in his opinion, helped to shape that particular project for the future and local knowledge is imperative. Councillor Count stated that he welcomed that project, but it is still insufficient for the needs of Whittlesey and the proposed relief road is vital for that area. He expressed the view that he wished the processes could be altered in order that projects can be commenced in a timelier manner but he welcomes the funding from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Market Town Project.

·         Councillor Tierney stated that he welcomes the news and is delighted for those who have been striving to move this proposal forward.

·         Councillor Mrs Laws stated that it is important to remember that the proposal will open up growth and economy for Fenland as a whole. She added that it is much needed, and Whittlesey is the only Fenland market town which does not have a bypass and it is dealing with enormous amount of vehicles of different sizes, lengths and weights that use that road for which she is currently arranging for traffic surveys to be carried out. Councillor Mrs Laws made the point that she feels that the Council has a duty of care to those residents who live along the Peterborough Road.

·         Councillor Benney stated that he whole heartedly supports the project which is a gateway into the Fens and from an economic perspective it opens the town of Whittlesey up from the overspill of investment from Peterborough and the project will benefit Fenland as a whole.

·         Councillor Boden stated that he agrees with Councillor Count and made the point that large infrastructure projects are very cumbersome to initiate, and the process is slow. He added that in projects such as this, there are many stages to overcome, and the first stage was satisfactorily achieved by Whittlesey Town Council who managed to obtain a report which was positive and led to the justification for the strategic outline business case to be sought from the CPCA. Councillor Boden explained that there are now further stages to overcome with the next one being the outline business case. He added that a great deal of money needs to be spent in the preparation of such projects before commencement of any works can begin, however, there is a process to follow which cannot be deviated from. Councillor Boden made the point that whilst he appreciates the frustration caused by the amount of traffic currently being handled by Whittlesey, it is the projection and looking forward which needs to be considered. He explained that from the data that is already held when looking at the traffic growth that exists in Fenland as a whole, including Peterborough and Whittlesey, by the end of the decade the two roundabouts in the centre of Whittlesey are going to be severely congested adding 6.5 minutes to negotiate. Councillor Boden expressed the view that looking to the future the relief road will not be constructed before the end of the decade but by that time, the need will be so obvious which is why steps are being taken now in order to prepare so that when the need is actually require, approval can be sought in order to get the relief road actually built.

Proposed by Councillor, seconded by Councillor Mrs Laws and AGREED to:

·         confirm the establishment of the Project Board to oversee the business case project, confirm the boards remit including its terms of reference and membership;

·         note the procurement exercise to select a contractor to deliver the SOBC project and give approval for delegated authority to the Portfolio Holder for Social Mobility and Heritage to award the contract;

·         note that third party funding has been approved from CPCA Market Towns Budget for this work.  A Grant Funding Agreement between CPA and FDC is required and that this agreement requires FDC to underwrite any capital overrun; and

·         delegate approval to the Portfolio Holder for Social Mobility and Heritage and the Portfolio Holder for Finance to sign the agreement on behalf of FDC.