Decision details

a)    North Portsea Flood Defences

Alan Cufley, Director of Transport, Environment & Business Support presented the report with Guy Mason, Coastal Defence Manager, which outlined the progress made.  He updated the consultation information - the drop-in surgeries were being held on Tuesdays and Thursdays (not Wednesdays).

Councillor New, Cabinet Member for Environment & Community Safety, was pleased that there had been positive feedback from the residents' consultation and that as well as offering protection there would also be enhanced areas for recreational use.

DECISION:  The Cabinet noted the contents of the report.

b)    Southsea Flood Defences

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson addressed the Cabinet welcoming both of the flood defence reports and the works taking place and asked that the opposition spokespersons be kept informed of progress as well as the Cabinet Member.   It was confirmed that the Cabinet Member for Environment & Community Safety and the spokespersons were being updated.  Alan Cufley further stated that the Environment Agency would be looking at how councils corporately support the Southsea scheme and there would be dialogue on where the physical barriers will be before further permission is sought and further bids are made for other sources of funding.  Guy Mason reported that they would be going back to the Environment Agency Large Project Review Group, the following week, to further the council's business case for Southsea Flood Defences and would be scrutinised regarding contributions.

DECISION The Cabinet:

(1)       Approved the appointment of the Director of Transport, Environment and Business Support as the Senior Responsible Owner for the project.

(2)       Noted that the scheme of delegations accommodates the Project by delegating, to the Director of Transport, Environment and Business Support, the responsibility for the delivery of the scheme with the control and oversight of the Deputy Chief Executive (and City Solicitor) and the Head of Finance & Section 151 officer.

(3)       Noted that the Director of Transport, Environment and Business Support will report regularly on progress to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety and the Opposition Spokespersons.