Decision details

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

DECISION

25.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to (1) note the need for a new Highways Maintenance Depot; and

(2) approve the allocation of £370k from the 2019/20 Capital Structural Maintenance budget to enable the progression and completion of the project.

Reasons

25.3     There is an increasing risk that maintenance services will have to cease in the future if the limitations and shortfalls with the current facilities at Sidley and Cripps Corner depots are not addressed. This would lead to significant increases in revenue costs if operations for the east of the county had to operate from the nearest alternative depot in Heathfield. However, an opportunity to develop a modern and ‘future proofed’ facility at Queensway has been identified to ensure highway maintenance can be delivered effectively in the east of the county long into the future.

25.4     The Council’s Capital Strategic Asset Board confirmed that no additional funding is available and that the additional funding should come from within the existing CET allocations.  The re-allocation of £370k from the 2019/20 Capital Structural Maintenance budget will enable the development of a new depot facility at Queensway to complete the project.