Background:
The proposed highway infrastructure, will support and enable the Manston Green development, delivering 785 new dwellings and a primary school, to come forward. It is also a key part of the Thanet Transport Strategy, which seeks to serve the development of 17,140 units within the emerging Local Plan and reduce pressure on the existing network. Therefore, the infrastructure would indirectly assist in the delivery of housing across the district, but particularly assisting in relieving traffic on the Haine Road corridor that serves the Eurokent housing site (410 units), Westwood Village (900 units) and existing Westwood Cross development (1000 units). To improve the viability of the development, TDC made the funding bid, which was approved in December 2019, subject to concluding pre-contract and pre-drawdown conditions, which TDC are currently progressing to conclude prior to the end of July 2020. The funding is required to be spent by end of March 2023 and based on the current programme, completion is expected during Summer/Autumn 2022.
Options (other options considered but discarded)
Alternative options for the proposed infrastructure are restricted due to the land constraints, and alignment and layout of the existing highway. Planning for the infrastructure layout was agreed as part of the planning consent for the wider Manston Green development.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or savings of more than £1m;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 30/06/2020
Decision due: Not before 29th Jul 2020 by Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport
Reason: In order that the proposed decision can be published for a minimum of 28 days in accordance to statutory requirements
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport
Lead director: Simon Jones
Department: Growth, Environment & Transport
Contact: Barry Stiff, Project Manager, Major Projects 03000 419377 Email: barry.stiff@kent.gov.uk Tel: 03000 419377.
Consultees
The proposed decision was considered and endorsed at the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee on 17 July 2020.
Financial implications: The overall estimated cost of the project is £6.3m, which is fully funded through a successful Housing Infrastructure Fund bid to Homes England by TDC. The funding will be drawn down quarterly by TDC directly from HE, with KCC invoicing TDC on a monthly basis. TDC have accepted that for KCC to provide the resources to deliver the project, there will be no financial cost or risk to KCC. This is reflected in the legal agreement between KCC and TDC.
Legal implications: Invicta Law has drafted the legal agreement, which is currently awaiting to be signed, subject to receiving a Key Decision.
Equalities implications: Equalities implications: An EQIA assessment is currently being undertaken and should be available for publishing alongside the ROD and Decision Report. Data Protection implications: The requirements of the KCC’s Data Protection Impact Assessment Policy and Guidance document dated 12 November 2019 has been reviewed and the project does not meet the requirements for a DPIA. However, during the life of the project, this will be continuously assessed and if required a DPIA will be carried out.