Issue - meetings

Levelling Up Bid Junction 7 M20 Signalisation

Meeting: 17/06/2022 - Lead Member for Planning and Infrastructure (Item 1)

1 Levelling Up Bid Junction 7 M20 Signalisation pdf icon PDF 165 KB

Minutes:

That the submission of a joint Levelling Up Round 2 bid with KCC to fund improvement works to Junction 7 M20, as set out at paragraph 3.3 Option 2, be approved.

 

(See Record of Decision A)

 

 

 

 


Meeting: 08/06/2022 - Planning and Infrastructure Policy Advisory Committee (Item 17)

17 Levelling Up Bid Junction 7 M20 Signalisation pdf icon PDF 164 KB

Minutes:

The Lead Member for Planning and Infrastructure introduced the report and stated that the positive feedback received on the Council’s initial but unsuccessful funding bid for the scheme would contribute to the refinement of the second bid submitted.

 

In explaining the funding bid’s submission, it was stated that whilst there were some Section 106 monies available for the scheme, a complete reliance on those monies could lead to a delay in its implementation. The proposed scheme met the assessment criteria set, was ready for implementation and would improve the local road network, whilst being able to take place alongside other highways improvements.

 

In response to questions on the Section 106 monies as outlined within the report, the Lead Member for Planning and Infrastructure indicated that the monies would not cover the scheme’s total cost, which was also likely to have increased by the time the monies were received by the Council. Any unrequired Section 106 monies would be returned to the developer. If possible, and within the applicable legal framework, an attempt to renegotiate the agreements would be made. The importance of improving the road network was re-emphasised.

 

The Director of Regeneration and Place referenced the endeavours clause within the relevant Section 106 agreements in explaining the Council’s funding bid submissions. Reassurance was given that such issues were historic in nature as the Council progressed towards collecting Community Infrastructure Levy monies instead. The Head of Planning and Development further stated that the clause had been included within the agreements, as the developers were aware of the Council’s funding bid submission during the negotiation process. 

 

In response to questions, the Leader Member for Planning and Infrastructure stated that whilst the junction improvement would fall under the remit of National Highways, it was unlikely to be funded by the organisation hence the Council’s bid submission. The distribution of Levelling up funding was explained, with any successful scheme to be ready for implementation. Other schemes, such as the Leeds Langley Relief Road and Town Centre Strategy, had not been put forward as they would not currently meet that requirement.

 

The Committee supported the bid’s submission.

 

RESOLVED: That the Lead Member for Planning and Infrastructure be recommended to approve the submission of a joint Levelling Up Round 2 bid with Kent County Council to fund improvement works to Junction 7 M20, as set out at paragraph 3.3 (Option 2) of the report.