Decision details

To agree the terms of the development agreement for the wind mitigation scheme for Bridgewater Place.

Further to Minute No.178 of the meeting held 14^th February 2014, the Director of City Development submitted a report seeking approval to conclude and enter into the Development Agreement with the owners of Bridgewater Place and their funding agent for the wind amelioration scheme.

The report provided a brief history of Bridgewater Place, culminating in the developers being granted planning consent in November 2014 for a scheme of wind amelioration works to address identified issues arising from the building on the surrounding highway. The report explained that, in order to facilitate the works and protect the Council’s position and the public interest both during the works and post construction, it was necessary for the Council to enter into a Development Agreement with the owners of the property and their funding agent.

In considering the report, the Board recognised the work undertaken by officers to reach this point in the process. The Board received assurance that extensive and highly specialised advice had been obtained and relied upon by officers in relation to all aspects of the amelioration scheme, including the proposed Development Agreement, as appended to the submitted report.

RESOLVED -

a)  That it be noted that, based on specialist advice received, officers have been advised that the proposed installation “has been found to be effective in mitigating the local ground-level wind speeds as far as practically possible within the confines and restrictions of the site”;

b)  That it be noted that, post construction, there will be a need for further street level works to be carried out to ameliorate the effects of potential “hotspot” areas where wind speeds may (at times of high winds) still exceed safe levels. Additionally, it be noted that the precise extent, nature and location of these works will be identified and agreed based on expert advice following post installation testing by wind experts.

c)  That it be noted that the works to install the Amelioration Scheme are being carried out by Contractors appointed and engaged by the Building Owners; that the anticipated start date of the works is March 2016 and that the works on site are likely to take up to 50 weeks to complete;

d)  That it be noted that, due to the extensive nature of the works within and over the Highway, the extended road closure of Water Lane at intervals throughout the duration of the works will be unavoidable; and

e)  That the Council be authorised to enter into the Development Agreement to enable the wind mitigation scheme to be installed and that the completion of the Agreement and any non-material amendment(s) be delegated to the City Solicitor.

Briefings with Executive Member

Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning