Issue - meetings

           To receive a report from the Corporate Director, Place.

Cllr Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene, and Flooding presented a report seeking the award of a contract for repairs to the B4069 at Lyneham Banks.

Cllr Holder commented in detail about the major land slip at Lyneham Banks in February 2022 resulting in the road being closed to traffic. He highlighted the potential reasons for the land slip and the options being considered to make repairs and re-open the road. Cabinet noted that tenders had been invited for the repair scheme and that detailed scoring and financial information on the bids received would be considered in the private part of the meeting.

Cllr Graham Wright, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, provided an update on behalf of Cllr Jerry Kunkler, Chair of the Environment Select Committee, who received a briefing on 9 April 2024 along with Cllr Alison Bucknell and Cllr Elizabeth Threlfall whose divisions are affected by the closure of the B4069. The briefing provided an update on the current situation followed by a discussion of the options for addressing the landslip and repairing the road, the final preferred option and detail about the tender process. They thanked officers for the briefing and endorsed the approach being taken. 

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, expressed his support for the works being proposed.

Cllr Alison Bucknell, Division Member for Lyneham thanked officers for their comprehensive report and transparency during the process and voiced her support for the proposals.

Resolved:

To note the content of the report and consider the appointment of the contractor detailed in the Part II report.

Reason for Decision:

1.    There is a need to repair the B4069 at Lyneham Banks which has been closed because of a major landslip,

2.    The temporary road closure has caused significant disruption to road users, residents, and businesses, and the road should be reopened to traffic,

3.    Various options have been considered and a retaining wall offers the best and most cost-effective means of stabilising the ground and reinstating the road,

4.    The future stability of the road needs to be ensured by carrying out substantial works on land adjoining the road to ensure suitable drainage and to stabilise the ground and support the road.

5.    A suitably experienced contractor is required to carry out the works and tenders have been returned and assessed and a preferred contractor has been identified.