Issue - meetings

A report concerning the proposed new cycleway connecting Kenilworth and Leamington.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder – Councillor Jeff Clarke

Councillor Jeff Clarke explained the nature of the proposed cycleway as set out in the report adding that it was frustrating that it had taken so long to reach this stage in the development process.

Councillor Sarah Boad (Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) expressed her enthusiasm for the project stating that it had first been mooted in 1986. Recognising the complexity of the project in engineering and land ownership terms she paid tribute to the campaigners and officers who had brought it this far.

Councillor John Cooke welcomed the recommendations.

Councillor Keith Kondakor explained that the route is the right length for encouraging people to cycle. He suggested that more should be done to develop cycle routes in town as well as between towns. He was concerned over delays and hoped that Design Services were able to appoint enough staff to manage their workload.

Councillor Peter Butlin noted that the project carries some financial risk, but he was confident that the scheme would be completed on time and that officers would monitor expenditure.

In closing Councillor Clarke welcomed the involvement and support of the public and thanked members and officers for their work.  

Resolved:

That Cabinet;

        Approve the development of the Kenilworth to Leamington Cycle Project and authorise the Strategic Directors for Communities and Resources to take all steps required for the implementation of the scheme including:

(a)    in the case of the Strategic Director for Communities:

(i)   finalising designs and determining land requirements;

(ii)  negotiating terms and entering agreements for any necessary alterations to private accesses;

(iii)  securing all necessary statutory consents (including licences and planning permissions) and entering any necessary agreements with other regulatory bodies;

(iv)  exercising any statutory rights of entry for the purposes of carrying out surveys, examinations or other investigations or executing works;

(iv) undertaking public consultation;

(v)  inviting tenders and entering contracts on terms and conditions acceptable to the Strategic Director for Resources.

(b)    in the case of the Strategic Director for Resources:

(i)   making any necessary side road orders under sections 14 and 125 of the Highways Act 1980;

(ii)  acquiring by agreement the land required for the implementation of the scheme.