Issue - meetings

Consideration of recommendations of Cabinet of 2 September 2025 in respect of a List C Capital Plan Evaluation for the replacement of the Shallows Bridge in Haysden Country Park.  It is recommended that the scheme is included in List A of the Capital Plan and progressed within the current financial year.

Consideration was given to the recommendations of the Cabinet in respect of the replacement of Shallows Bridge at Haysden Country Park.

Due regard was given to the views of the Cabinet and the financial and value for money considerations.  Whilst the replacement of the bridge was supported, some concern was expressed at the potential financial implications if the existing abutments were not fit for purpose.

On the grounds that the replacement bridge would maintain access for users of the Country Park and for health and safety reasons, Cllr Keers proposed, Cllr Boughton seconded and Council

RESOLVED:  That

(1)             the scheme to replace the Shallows Bridge, Haysden Country Park be transferred to List A of the Capital Plan; and

(2)             subject to an assessment of the abutments, the replacement bridge be constructed in the current financial year.

This report brings forward a List C Capital Plan Evaluation for the replacement of the Shallows Bridge in Haysden Country Park and recommends that the scheme is included in List A of the Capital Plan and progressed within the current financial year.

Consideration was given to a List C Capital Plan Evaluation (attached at Annex 1) for the replacement of the Shallows Bridge in Haysden Country Park.

The proposal was to remove the existing Shallows Bridge, which had been condemned by a structural engineer, and to replace it with a new bridge that met the needs of park users and would be compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Due regard was given to the financial and value for money considerations and it was estimated that the replacement of the bridge would be circa £265,000. The potential to utilise developer contributions to meet just over half of the costs was welcomed.  As the works were required for health and safety reasons the balance of £112,000 would need to be provided from the Revenue Reserve for Capital Schemes.

Attention was drawn to the potential risk of increased costs arising from an inspection and assessment of the existing abutments by a structural engineer once the existing bridge was removed.  It was hoped that the existing abutments would be fit for purpose but if not a full reconstruction could cost in the region of £45,000.  In this scenario, Cabinet would be asked to determine if the project was cost prohibitive.

Finally, it was confirmed that the replacement bridge would be stainless steel to increase longevity.    It was also reported that the only other option would be not to replace the bridge as a repair was not possible and remove the existing structure.

On the grounds that the replacement bridge would maintain access for users of the Country Park,  Cllr Keers proposed, Cllr Taylor seconded and Cabinet

*RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)            the scheme to replace the Shallows Bridge, Haysden Country Park be transferred to List A of the Capital Plan; and

(2)            subject to an assessment of the abutments, the replacement bridge be constructed in the current financial year.

*Recommended to Council