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To approve the entering into of the Asset
Protection Agreement with Network Rail to facilitate works related
to Ash Road Bridge scheme.

Reasons for the decision

The Council needs to carry out drainage works
at the level crossing in Ash to address a localised flooding issue,
in doing do discharging an outstanding planning obligation relating
to the Ash Road Bridge scheme. The Asset Protection Agreement (APA)
needs to be signed to enable the Council to carry out these works
on the weekend of 29/30 November 2025. This decision provides the
necessary approvals for the APA to be executed.

Alternative options considered

The Council could decide not to enter into the
agreement with Network Rail. However, this will mean that the
scheduled works cannot progress as currently scheduled with the
outstanding planning condition remaining unresolved and crucially,
the flooding issue also not rectified. The financial consequences
of not progressing with the booked track possession are substantial
and this course of action is not recommended.