Purpose

Following WECA
approval of the business case for Scholars Way, this Single Member
Decision seeks approval to accept the funding for construction of
the scheme.

https://westofengland-ca.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1072

Decision

(1) 
To accept the funding provided by the Mayoral Combined Authority
and to approve the spend of £2.984m.
 
(2) 
To delegate authority to the Executive Director of Sustainable
Communities, in consultation with the S151 Officer, to accept the
Grant Offer Letter from the West of England Mayoral Combined
Authority when it is received.

Reasons for the decision

Objectives achieved as part of the project
include:
 
· 
Deliver priority infrastructure in B&NES for pedestrians,
cyclists and other non-motorised users.
 
· 
Improve safety within the south of the city, particularly for
vulnerable users, by enhancing accessibility and reducing the
potential for conflict between walking, wheeling, cycling, public
transport, and private vehicles.
 
· 
Positively contribute to a reduction in transport-related
emissions, and an improvement in air quality within the city
centre, helping Bath to achieve net-zero carbon by 2030.

Alternative options considered

The alternative option
is to wait until a Grant Offer Letter is received in full from the
Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA). This 12-week process, in addition
to the call-in period following the decision, will conclude in
November 2025.  Following this, a
six-week mobilisation period will be needed before works can start
on site.
 
This will further
delay the construction start date until later in 2026 and would
further impact traffic mitigation measures planned for all other schemes due to begin
construction in 2026.
 
The final option is
not to proceed.  However, with allocated
funding and a political commitment to deliver the scheme, it is
agreed that this scheme should be progressed within the current
timeframes outlined by the MCA for delivery.