Decision details

To seek approval of the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the Bristol Avon Flood Strategy and submit for  assurance review.

To seek approval to bid for, accept and spend funding to progress the development of detailed designs, Full Business Case (FBC) and consents.

That Cabinet:

1.      Approved the Outline Business Case and notes and approves its submission to the Environment Agency for its assurance review.

2.      Noted the capital cost for delivery (in 2028 present value terms) of Phase 1 construction is estimated at £255m, of which approximately £251m (also in 2028 present value terms) of funding through Defra’s Flood Defence Grant in Aid, WECA’s Economic Development Fund, council reserves and Community Infrastructure Levy is identified in principle.

3.      Authorised the Executive Director for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the S151 Officer and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Governance and Performance, to apply for and enter into agreements or contracts to spend grant funding of £2.2m Local Levy raised by the Wessex Regional Flood and Coastal Committee in support of the delivery of the Full Business Case and supporting activities.

4.      Authorised the Executive Director for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the S151 Officer and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Governance and Performance, to apply for and enter into agreements or contracts to spend funding of up to £10m from the West of England Combined Authority, in support of the delivery of the Full Business Case and supporting activities.

5.      Authorised the Executive Director for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the S151 Officer and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Governance and Performance, to enter into agreements or contracts to spend the council’s capital reserves (as previously allocated to the delivery of the strategy) in support of the delivery of the Full Business Case and supporting activities.