Reason(s) for decision:
The original build was planned to be phased with the intention being that Phase 1 would provide a 2FE infrastructure core build with 1FE of accommodation for 2018, with the second FE being produced for 2021. However due to delays through the planning process the first FE will now open in September 2019.
Due to pressures on the CYPE capital budget at the time of agreeing this scheme it was agreed the that scheme would be phased to aid cash flow, whilst recognising that this could ultimately increase the overall cost of the scheme. However, to ensure costs do not escalate further by continuing to delay the production of the second FE, the advice from Gen2 is that it would be more beneficial to the school in terms of reducing disruption to its operation and financially advantageous to build Phase 2 while the construction plant and builders are on site, rather than producing a new build some time further in the future.
There have been significant planning issues:
· Two ransom strips have been identified, one belonging to Colyer Ferguson Trust and one to Gravesham Borough Council. Both took some time to be resolved.
· There have been challenging highways issues with a new access being created off a local residential road.
· The land has required some grading as the whole site slopes upward to the south.
Decision:
The Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education is asked to agree to:
b. Authorise the Director of Infrastructure in consultation with the General Counsel to enter into any necessary contracts/ agreements on behalf of the County Council.
c. Authorise the Director of Infrastructure to be the nominated Authority Representative within the relevant agreements and to enter into variations as envisaged under the contracts.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or savings of more than £1m;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: Northfleet & Gravesend West;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 24/06/2019
Decision due: Not before 23rd Jul 2019 by Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education
Reason: In order that the proposed decision can be published for a minimum of 28 days, in accordance with statutory requirements
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education
Lead director: Keith Abbott
Department: Education & Young People's Services
Contact: Ian Watts, Assistant Director Education, North Tel: 03000 414302 Email: ian.watts@kent.gov.uk Tel: 03000 414302.
Consultees
Has this matter been considered by the Infrastructure Commissioning Board (ICB)?
The phase 2 scheme has already been presented to the Strategic Commissioning Board and it has been confirmed that the required funding for phase 2 is included within the planned CYPE capital programme.
Is any consultation planned or has already been undertaken?
The Academy carried out a consultation prior to the original decision. The result was that the governors agreed to proceed with the project.
Has this proposal been to cabinet committee?
Yes. On 1st February 2017, the decision of the Education and Young People’s Services Cabinet Committee, was to recommend that St George’s CE School should expand, by virtue of a change of age range, taking pupils age range of reception to Year 6.
The original Record of Decision (17/00011) agreed to allocate £7.1m from the CYPE Capital Budget to fund the first phase of the build.
The Children and Young People’s Cabinet Committee considered and endorsed this decision at their meeting on 28 June 2019.
Which Divisions / Local Members are particularly affected?
Northfleet & Gravesend West, Dr Lauren Sullivan & John Burden
Have views been sought from local Members?
Yes. Mr Burden and Dr Sullivan have been informed and officers were able to provide Dr Sullivan with some clarifications on the project. Any views submitted will be reported to the Cabinet Committee.