Decision details

To inform and seek Cabinet approval to commence the Slough Mass Rapid Transit Scheme.

(a)  That the offer of the Berkshire Local Transport Body to provide £5.6million towards the cost of the SMaRT major transport scheme be welcomed;

(b)  That the terms of the offer, including the need for the remainder of the scheme cost to be met by local funding contributions, be noted;

(c)  That the local funding contribution outlined in paras 4.4 and 4.5 required from Council revenue and capital resources, supplemented by S106 developer contributions where available, be agreed in principle subject to further consideration of scheme costs;

(d)  That  the design of the scheme as outlined in paras 5.6 to 5.17 and Figure 1, be agreed in principle subject to a positive outcome to the public consultation now underway;

(e)  That negotiations be proceeded with to secure land on the frontage of A4 Bath Road required for highway purposes as set out in paras 4.15 and 4.16 and steps be taken, if necessary, to initiate compulsory purchase;

(f)  That funding for the improvements to three additional junctions on the A4 Bath Road west of Dover Road and improvements around Burnham Station and Burnham Lane as described in paras 4.6 and 5.18 to 5.20 be agreed;

(g)  That the tendering process be progressed in due course in line with the procurement strategy set out in para 4.7 of the report;

(h)  That the Strategic Director, Regeneration, Housing and Resources be authorised to take all necessary steps to secure the making, submission, confirmation and implementation of the CPO of the third party land required to deliver the SMaRT Scheme and the land required to deliver an efficient scheme on the land remaining at 150 – 160 Bath Road (following statutory process set down in the Highway Act 1980 and the Acquisition of Land Act 1981, as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.);

(i)  That the Strategic Director, Regeneration, Housing and Resources be authorised to appropriate to planning purposes the land in the ownership of Slough Borough Council which is no longer required for the purpose for which it was previously used,  for use in connection with the SMaRT Scheme and associated residential development under Section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972.

(j)  That the Cabinet receive a further report on progress and detailed design of the scheme prior to the commencement of the tendering process.