Decision details

In accordance with Section 100 (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972 the  Chairman agreed that this item could be added as an item of urgent business.  Detailed discussions associated with mitigation measures within Cheshire East had been ongoing since early June, and provision had been made within the Forward Plan for a paper to be received.  As a consequence of the ongoing discussions the proposed final Business Case submission that would trigger the funding commitment had been delayed.  The discussions had now been concluded with the outcome resulting in improved mitigation measures within Cheshire East funded by the project. If the report was delayed until the October cycle further unnecessary delays would be incurred resulting in key milestones associated with the future scheme development being missed.

Consideration was given to the progress of this scheme and to the Major Scheme Business Case.  The Strategic Director for Places and Organisational Capacity gave a verbal update on the outcome of discussions with Manchester City Council and the Combined Authority.  He reported that confirmation had been received for additional funding to be provided for the junction arrangement required to create a connection from the A555 at Bramhall Oil Terminal, along with costs associated with the Chester Road connection; contingency funds to support the costs of the Poynton Relief Road relating to the costs involved in the grade separation at the roads interface with Chester Road; and the support of the SEMMMS/A555 design team in developing options and design concepts. 

The report set out a project plan for the delivery of the scheme and it was noted that this now required revision; submission of the planning application and the publication of the draft Orders was now expected to be in the Spring of 2013.  

The Cabinet was advised that since publication of the report the final two decisions requested had been amended to include the Portfolio Holder for Prosperity and Regeneration.  In addition it was noted that in accordance with the recently introduced Council requirement for all major projects and programmes the scheme would be reviewed by the Executive Monitoring Board, the new corporate quality assurance group.

RESOLVED

1.    That the verbal update on the outcome of discussions with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Stockport MBC be noted.  

2.    That the Scheme’s business case, and its submission to the DfT be endorsed, and that this be confirmed to Stockport MBC as the Scheme promoters on behalf of the GMCA.

3.    Subject to the final approval of the GMCA to allocate funding from the Earn Back model to the Scheme, approval be given for the authority to sign off the business case to be delegated to Stockport Council’s Section 151 Officer on behalf of Cheshire East Council, as one of the three promoting authorities, with regards to the estimated costs and funding of the Scheme.

4.    That delegated authority be given to the Strategic Director of Places and Organisational Capacity, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Prosperity and Regeneration, to agree the consultation material regarding the scheme for distribution to Cheshire East households.

5.    That delegated authority be given to the Strategic Director of Places and Organisational Capacity, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Prosperity and Regeneration, to establish the arrangements for a Board and Joint Infrastructure Development Fund with the GMCA.