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: