Consideration was given to the proposal outlined in the external consultant’s design report (attached at Annex 1) which was to progress the tendering and construction of a high-quality lighting scheme between Town Lock and Vale Road/Cannon Lane in Tonbridge.
Due regard was given to the financial and value for money considerations, the assessment of risk and the legal implications detailed in the report. Members noted a revised budget for the project due to improved accuracy following stage 4 design. It was also felt prudent to allow a contingency sum for any issues arising from an ecological appraisal and any further comments from external bodies including the Environment Agency and Kent Wildlife Trust.
On the grounds of improving safety along the footpath and that the project could be delivered in full via developer contributions with no funding needed from the Borough Council, Cllr Keers proposed, Cllr Mehmet seconded and Cabinet
RESOLVED: That
(1) the project for riverside lighting between Vale Road and the northwest boundary of the former gasholder site be progressed through the tender and construction stages;
(2) delegated authority be granted to the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities and local Ward Members, to amend the design to take into account any findings from the ecological appraisal and any further comments from external bodies including the Environment Agency and Kent Wildlife Trust; and
(3) a project budget as set out in the report and funded in full via developer contributions, be approved
Cabinet had due regard to the views of the Scrutiny Select Committee, the feasibility study report (Annex 2) and the Capital Plan Evaluation (Annex 1) and welcomed the provision of high-quality lighting for pedestrians, the opportunity to create a safe and secure environment and reduce crime. The lack of lighting, combined with a narrow path lined with trees and shrubbery and unprotected river edge, made this an uninviting section of the route.
Discussions had taken place with Kent County Council Public Rights of Way and it was confirmed that lighting might be installed on the route using powers under s161 of the Public Health Act 1875.
On the grounds of enhancing the area and improving safety of pedestrians, Cllr Mehmet proposed, seconded by Cllr Taylor and Cabinet
RESOLVED: That
(1) Phase 1 of the project be taken forward through the design stages up to and including the preparation of tender documents;
(2) the use of the Borough Council’s powers under s161 of the Public Health Act 1875 for the delivery of the project, with agreement from Kent County Councils Public Rights of Way Team, be authorised; and
(3) arrangement be made for Members to have physical sight of the likely intended lighting columns by means of a demonstration in a low light at a future meeting or a site visit.
*RECOMMENDED: That
(4) the scheme be transferred to List A of the Capital Plan.
*Recommended to Council