Purpose

The purpose of this report is to provide
cabinet members with an update on two active travel schemes that
are underway, following a successful bid via what was known as the
‘Levelling Up Fund’. A background will be provided for
both the ‘Hexham to Corbridge’ corridor and the
‘Bedlington’ corridor detailing the key issues, the
need for change and the anticipated benefits that the schemes will
deliver. This report will primarily focus on the Hexham to
Corbridge corridor as the proposed route alignment enters private
land. Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers may therefore be
required.

Content

RESOLVED
that:-
 
(a )     Cabinet note progress on each
scheme to date, as the detailed design process nears
completion;
 
(b )     Cabinet approve the chosen route
alignment for both the Hexham to Corbridge Scheme and the
Bedlington Scheme;
 
(c )     Cabinet note and approve the
collective decision taken by the Active Travel Corridors board at
the 5th Board Meeting held on 23/05/2024 to develop the CPO process
for the Hexham to Corbridge Scheme;
 
(d )     Cabinet note that if a CPO is
required for the Hexham to Corbridge Scheme then a further detailed
report will be submitted for Cabinet approval prior to the making
of any CPO;
 
(e )     authority be delegated to the
Executive Director of Place and Regeneration in consultation with
the Executive Director for Transformation & Resources to take
all necessary steps to effect the delivery of the project including
any changes to detailed design of each scheme as may be
required;
 
(f )      authority be delegated to
the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration in consultation
with the Executive Director for Transformation & Resources to
acquire all third party interests in land required for the totality
of the Hexham to Corbridge Scheme as set out in paragraphs 5.39 to
5.43 of the report including negotiating compensation payable on a
deemed compulsory purchase basis;
 
(g )     Cabinet note the phased approach
to each scheme as set out in the report; and
 
(h )     Cabinet approve in principle the
use of compulsory purchase powers under sections 239, 240, 246, 250
and 260 of the Highways Act 1980 to acquire such 3rd party land
interests and rights necessary to deliver the Hexham to Corbridge
Scheme and that authority be given to the Executive Director of
Place and Regeneration to progress a Compulsory Purchase Order
("CPO") to deliver the Hexham to Corbridge Scheme in parallel with
seeking to acquire such 3rd party rights and interests.