Decision details
Strategic green infrastructure proposals
Decision Maker: Chief Executive, West of England Combined Authority
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Purpose:
Following the endorsement of the Joint Green
Infrastructure Strategy (JGIS), at the WECA Committee in June 2020,
£300,000 was allocated to support the development of Full
Business Cases for Strategic Green Infrastructure projects. The
approval of the Feasibility and Development Funding application
form to release this funding was delegated to the WECA Chief
Executive in consultation with the Chief Executives of the
constituent Councils.
The West of England Green Infrastructure Working Group has been
working with key partners to develop the overall pipeline of Green
Infrastructure programmes/projects within the West of England, and
have initially identified 3 programme areas, on the basis that the
allocation of £300,000 could be utilised to develop business
cases for projects expected from later this year.
These are:
• WaterSpace: A programme of work re: the green spaces and
rights of way along the River Avon and Bristol Harbour corridor
between Bitton and Avon Gorge. Works include the Summerdale
footbridge at Hanham Lock, upgrading paths and improving access
links.
• Cotswolds to Mendip Hills Link: This landscape programme is
to deliver on the benefits and options of achieving links between
the two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty for wildlife and
people. As the approach is developed, it will deliver increased
public access, wildlife connectivity, community engagement,
sustainable water management and support land-use planning and land
management decisions.
• Common Connections: This will deliver a rich Green
Infrastructure landscape that protects key natural heritage and
delivers a better quality, better connected and better accessed
Green Infrastructure for people and wildlife.
A completed Feasibility and Development funding application form
prepared for consideration by the Chief Executives set out the
tasks, costs and timescales for bringing forward the Full Business
Cases for three specific projects within these programmes: Chew
Valley Lake recreational trail, Somerdale Bridge and Common
Connections.
Decision:
That approval be given to the Feasibility and
Development funding application form and the release of £300k
to develop the Green Infrastructure Full Business Cases for three
specific projects within these programmes: Chew Valley Lake
recreational trail, Somerdale Bridge and Common
Connections.
Alternative options considered:
Not applicable in relation to this specific
decision, i.e. this was the option considered.
Publication date: 25/09/2020
Date of decision: 17/09/2020
Accompanying Documents: