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Executive (I)
Thursday, 10th October, 2013

REPORT TO:39
DECISION NUMBER:PH/105/2013
EARLIEST DATE FOR DECISION:10th October 2013

SAND DUNES ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2013/2014
Matter for Consideration:
To commission works on behalf of the Blackpool and Fylde Sand Dunes Environmental Partnership for financial Year 2013/2014.
Information:
The Sand Dunes Environmental Works Partnership (SDEP) comprises Blackpool Council), the Environment Agency, Fylde Borough Council and Lancashire Wildlife Trust and was formed to proactively manage a Sand Dunes Project along the Blackpool and Fylde Coastline. Funding for this project has been provided by the Environment Agency.

There are eighty hectares of narrow fragmented sand dune habitat between Squires Gate and Lytham Green, twenty four hectares is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), with sixteen hectares designated as a Local Nature Reserve. Both the Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve are in an unfavourable position.

The foreshore is an extensive sandy beach becoming muddier and giving way to salt marsh in the South at the mouth of the Ribble Estuary.

Managed Realignment of the dune system in the short term was chosen to allow for the management of the dunes as a natural defence system and important habitat. Through management, the dune system is expected to accrete and improve the dune habitat providing protection to a number of properties and amenities along the coastline.

The main aims of the Fylde Sand Dunes Management Action Plan are to:

• Enhance the nature conservation interest of the coastal habitats
• Improve the efficiency of the dunes and salt marsh as a soft sea defence
• Enhance public appreciation and enjoyment of the Dunes.

Does the information submitted include any exempt information?NO
Legal Considerations:
Contract formalities and agreement by all parties to the Memorandum of Understanding.
Personnel Considerations:
Blackpool Council’s coastal section has the appropriately qualified and experienced personnel to deliver this scheme. An equalities analysis has been carried out and will be subject to review during the build process.
Financial Considerations:
Grant funding has been received from the Environment Agency for the sum of £472,000 of which £127,500 has been committed by the Environment Agency for financial year 2013/2014. Authorised expenditure of £127,500. Proposed Expenditure Breakdown• £3,646.36 Design Fees• £11,544.00 Project Management Fees• £7,000.00 Apprentice Fee Contribution• £14,850.00 Vehicle Purchase• £85,000.00 Lancashire Wildlife Trust Project(s) Budget• £5,459.64 Contingency
Performance Management Considerations:
The scheme is managed by the Sand Dunes Environmental Partnership, which will agree a project timetable, schedule of works and expenditure.
Risk Management Considerations:
A detailed risk review has been undertaken, with a contingency of £5,459.65 allocated as part of the project. The proposed Lancashire Wildlife Trust budget of £85,000 includes a £17,690.32 contingency. Regular risk management reviews will be undertaken by the Sand Dunes Environmental Partnership Steering Group and Project Board.
Relevant Officer:
John Blackledge, Assistant Chief Executive Leisure and Commercial Services
Relevant Cabinet Member:
Councillor F. Jackson
Consultation Undertaken:
An extensive consultation exercise has been undertaken as part of the grant application process. This has engaged statutory and non-statutory consultees. It has also engaged the public at relevant forums and advertised events held in public buildings.
Background Papers:
None
Is this a key decision?NO
Is the decision required in less than 5 days?NO
Recommendations:
To authorise expenditure to the value of £127,500, in line with the proposed expenditure outlined, to achieve the projects goals of the Blackpool and Fylde Sand Dunes Environmental Partnership for financial Year 2013/2014.
Reasons for Recommendations:
Agreement and funding for these Works has been provided by the Environment Agency. The work is needed to encourage sand accretion of the Sand Dunes to safeguard residential properties from tidal flooding as well.
Is the recommendation contrary to a plan or strategy adopted or approved by the Council?NO
Is the recommendation in accordance with the Council’s approved Budget?YES
Other alternative options to be considered:
Not to commission the works which would not save the Council any money but result in significant risks as outlined.
Policy, Overview, and Scrutiny Committee Chairman (where appropriate)
Date Informed: N/A
Date Approved: N/A
DECLARATION(S) OF INTEREST (if applicable)
None
Decision:
The Cabinet Member agreed the recommendation as outlined above namely: To authorise expenditure to the value of £127,500, in line with the proposed expenditure outlined, to achieve the projects goals of the Blackpool and Fylde Sand Dunes Environmental Partnership for financial Year 2013/2014.
Date:10th October 2013
Reason for Decision:
Agreement and funding for these Works has been provided by the Environment Agency. The work is needed to encourage sand accretion of the Sand Dunes to safeguard residential properties from tidal flooding as well.

Date of Publication:		10th October 2013


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