Decision

That the Chief Finance Officer (sub-delegated
to the Assistant Director – Resources) authorises the
acceptance of the grant of £21,269.57 of RDEL funding from
Homes England relating to the proposed Feasibility/Viability
Assessment for upgrading/replacing the bridge at Cawder Lane,
Skipton.

Reasons for the decision

This time-limited funding opportunity would
cover the costs of an important review of the feasibility and
viability of upgrading or replacing a bridge which does not meet
modern-day highway standards. Apart from making the bridge crossing
more suitable and safer for highway users and pedestrians, these
works are a requirement of Local Plan policy for new housing (circa
190 dwellings) to come forward on 2 sites, one of which is in
Council ownership. The Assessment would inform future decisions
relating to the financial and practical delivery considerations in
respect of these matters.

Alternative options considered

The alternative would be not to undertake the
Assessment. However, this would increase uncertainty in terms of
the cost of providing a new/upgraded bridge and the viability of
the residential allocations.