Decision details

In May 2023, the Secretary of State for Transport made the Transport and Works Act Order to enable the completion of the Rother Valley Railway (Bodiam to Robertsbridge Junction). Some of the works to reinstate the railway will need to take place on adopted public highway that the County Council manages and maintains.  Ordinarily, these works would be permitted under Section 278 of the Highway Act, which officers have delegated authority to negotiate and agree.  However, due to the unusual nature of this project, the works will need to be agreed through a Transport and Works Act Agreement, which no delegated authority exists for officers to agree to. The report to Lead Member will be to seek authority for a Transport and Works Act Agreement to be agreed and signed with Rother Valley Railway.

6.1       The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.

DECISIONS

6.2       The Lead Member RESOLVED to approve the use of the Transport and Works Act Agreements to secure the highway works associated with the reinstatement of the Rother Valley Railway.

REASONS

6.3       Due to the unique nature of the development and approval of the Transport and Works Act Order by the Secretary of State for Transport, approval of the use of the Transport and Works Act Agreements to secure the highway works associated with the reinstatement of the Rother Valley Railway will allow the legal agreements securing the highway works to be entered into.