Agenda item

      Report of the Chief Executive.

Cllr Bridget Wayman, Cabinet member for Highways, Transport and Waste introduced the report which provided an update about A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down (Stonehenge) road improvement scheme.

A statement and questions were received from Adrian Temple-Brown about and the use of technology to reduce Co2 emissions in relation to the A303 build. Cllr Whitehead acknowledged that the statement and questions had been published on the Council’s website prior to the meeting and would receive responses following this meeting. He also indicated that unacceptable language used in statements and questions would not be tolerated and the questioner would be asked to remove such comments from their statements/questions.  Responses have been published in Supplement 1, which can be accessed here.

Cllr Wayman reported that the road scheme was a nationally significant infrastructure project promoted by Highways England and highlighted the key features of the scheme.  She also explained the process involved in achieving development consent for the proposals. In addition, Cllr Wayman introduced a further recommendation at 3 (f) to minimise disruption to settlements alongside the A303 during the construction phase.  The proposals received wide support from Councillors.

Cllr Stuart Wheeler, Chair of the Environment Select Committee reported that he had received a full briefing on the proposals on 15 December 2020 and he would encourage the further dualling of the A303 further west. 

In response to a question from Cllr Robert Yuill about the benefits to the local community of the Highway England designated fund scheme, Cllr Wayman explained that she would provide a written response following the meeting.

Resolved:

1.    Welcome the Secretary of State’s decision regarding the A303 Stonehenge Development Consent Order.

2.    To agree the proposed recurring budget of £300,000 within the Highways budget for the A303 Stonehenge scheme until 2026/27.

3.    Agree the delegation of authority to the Director Transport and Environment to:

a)    Continue to input into the scheme by providing consultation responses to the various plans and documents being produced by Highways England for inclusion within the consultation reports to be considered by the Secretary of State

b)    Negotiate and agree the level of maintenance contributions associated with the de-trunked and local road elements, including public rights of way, of the scheme

c)    Agree the design and construction of the new local roads and rights of way, or alterations of existing arising from the scheme.

d)    Agree and implement any associated traffic regulation measures arising from or required by the scheme

e)    Approve the heritage management plans, site specific written schemes of investigation and method statements for the archaeological mitigation works and to monitor and approve the archaeological fieldwork.

f)      Work with Highways England to minimise disruption to our settlements alongside the A303 during the construction phase.

Reason for Decision:

The case for dualling the A303 between Amesbury and Berwick Down has long been established through promoting economic growth in the South West, increasing safety, improving connectivity with neighbouring regions and protecting and enhancing the environment and the world heritage site.

In order to fulfil its statutory duties promptly regarding the construction and implementation of this important road improvement scheme it is considered appropriate to delegate authority to the Director Transport and Environment in connection with this scheme.