Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: March 3, 2026

Purpose: This item seeks approval of the Outline Business Cas (OBC) for the Swanage Beach Coastal Protection Scheme and authorisation to submit the OBC to the Environment Agency’s National Project Assurance Board in order to secure the required external funding.

Content: (a)  That the Swanage Beach Coastal Protection Scheme outline business case be approved.   (b)  That the budget allocation within the Capital programme and as detailed in Table 1.0 section 7 of the report,be approved.   (c)  That the Outline Business Case be submitted to the Environment Agency’s National Project Assurance Service.   (d)  That the draw-down of all external Flood Defence Grant-In-Aid and Local Levy funding be authorised, on an ongoing basis throughout the duration of the project.   (e)  That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and Cabinet Member for Place Services, to procure and award the works and associated professional services.   Reason for the decision   ·       Scheme delivery was required to provide resilience against coastal erosion and flooding. ·       National flood funding rules change on 1 April 2026, the outline business case must be submitted before 31 March 2026 to avoid the risk of extensive rework, delays, and additional costs under the new requirements. ·       The outline business case setting out the £4.987m project required cabinet approval before it could be considered for external funding.