Agenda item

(To receive a report from Sam Edwards, Head of Highways Infrastructure, which invites the Committee to consider a paper seeking approval to enter into a contract for the purpose of delivering the Red Lion Square, Stamford paving project, which is the subject of a decision by the Executive Councillor for Resources, Communications and Commissioning and the Executive Councillor for Highways, Transport and IT being taken between 2 to 11 November 2021)

Consideration was given to a report from the Head of Highways Infrastructure on the proposed improvement scheme at Red Lion Square, Stamford. The scheme was originally completed in 2007 with a number of other improvement schemes in Stamford. This area had installed paving stone setts, however thinner setts, stand bed and joints were used due to funding limitations. Through increased vehicle movements, setts had moved and been damaged. Increased maintenance fees and safety concerns were noted. Following requests from local members and the Executive Councillor, options were explored to improve the area. A number of options were considered but ultimately, following consultation with Heritage England, the option to replace the existing 100mm thick York stone setts with 150mm thick York stone setts with a new concrete foundation, new mortar bed and new mortar joints. This was originally desired in 2007. This scheme would reduce the maintenance liability for the County Council and maintain the aesthetics. The existing setts would be stored for reuse elsewhere in the county. The original material used, Cromwell Stone, was no longer in use, however an alternative had been identified. Formal approval would be sought from Heritage England. The scheme only sought to change the carriageway, the original footway would be untouched. Within the £1.49 million budget, £435,000 of risk was identified. However, this was expected to reduce as the scheme progressed. If approved by the Executive, a formal contract would be entered into with EUROVIA, who had completed a number of public realm schemes previously with the Council.

The Committee considered the report, and during the discussion the following comments were noted:-

·       Members requested clarity in relation to the risk figure (predominantly construction risk) of £453,000 described in the report. Officers explained that a quality risk assessment produced this value; key elements included in this were the potential for utility diversions. There currently was a quotation which was a process with utility companies. Initial discussions with these did not indicate the need for diversions. Confirmation of this was anticipated in the coming three to four weeks and would see figures dropping significantly. Additional elements accounted for in that same risk figure were weather conditions; material price increases, which were being mitigated in advance by entering a contract with EUROVIA and placing orders early for costs to be fixed; and also, availability of contractors and professional staff, which was looked at being mitigated in similar ways by entering contracts with contractors early.

• Members requested clarity in relation to the £260,000 cost estimate on fees. Officers summarised that the figure included designer fees (including designing and supervising consultancy), project management fees, supervision fees, as well as lower figures relating to engaging with planners and obtaining legal advice.
• Assurance was sought in relation to the works being completed in a timely manner, within the presented cost estimates and with guaranteed workmanship. Officers stated that designing and supervising consultancy served as a testing regime that also ensured the quality of workmanship. Certainty of time could not be guaranteed due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather (e.g., flooding), utility damage, lack of materials or delayed delivery of these. These were expected in any construction projects, however, as the scheme was moving forward, greater definition was being input in relation to timescales. Assurance was given that the works programme was reflecting and scrutinising that. Lastly, robust costs and estimates were put into this report; the significant amounts around risk were to ensure staying in line with the budget.  A direct correlation between costs and unforeseen circumstances was drawn which may affect the works programme significantly. Assurance was provided that the Executive Councillors remained informed as the scheme developed, and works were carried out.
• Concerns were raised by Members over the balance drawn between health and safety risks in other areas and improving the aesthetic appearance of this square. Officers affirmed that, without regular maintenance, there was a significant safety concern at this site; there had been isolated incidents, including pedestrian crossing points, where sets were pulled out which left holes behind. Measures had been taken to address these issues, however, degradation was growing in greater frequency and was presenting a significant safety concern. Assurance was given that the existing aesthetics were maintained. 
• It was queried whether a potential success of this scheme would make a case for other similar schemes for areas across the county with cobbled streets. Officers clarified that schemes emerged anywhere in the county which relied on steer from Members and available resources in place as to be taken forward; that was irrespective to the success of this particular scheme.
• Members noted that the stones at the footpath and those of the highway were a different type of stone and asked if the stones proposed to be laid were a match. Assurance was given that Officers had met with the supplier of the cobbles and ensured that the look, texture and size were similar to the existing and aesthetically sympathetic towards each other. Approval from Heritage England was also sought. 
• Assurance was provided that marketers and local businesses, the Civic Society and various other organisations were consulted to ensure that businesses would not be disrupted, and impact would be minimised. 
• A Member emphasised the importance of being clear on what happened to the old cobbles that were being removed and received assurance that these were being stored in highway depos for being repurposed in maintenance needs elsewhere across the county.

RESOLVED

1. That the Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee unanimously agreed to support the recommendations to the Executive as detailed in the report.

2. That the comments listed above be passed on to the Executive in relation to this item.