Issue - meetings

Cabinet approved the investment in improvements at Newlands Corner in October 2015. These involved improving the toilets, resurfacing the easy access trail in the woodland behind the visitor room and café, installing play and educational pieces and introducing car parking charges.

 Following public engagement on the proposals the project was reviewed and a decision taken to go ahead with only a limited upgrade of the facilities on site and the introduction of car parking charges.  This and negotiations with the Albury Estate over their share of the income have altered the business plan sufficiently that it was reviewed and re submitted to Surrey County Council’s Investment Panel.  The investment now proposed is £122,200 which will provide an income to fund the management of the site and reduce the annual payments that SCC have to make for managing the Countryside Estate. The Investment Panel approved the new business case subject to the final outcome from the negotiations with the Albury Estate have been concluded.  This report is being brought to the Cabinet Member before the conclusion of the negotiations to reduce any further delays in commencing the project.  Work will not begin until the business plan has been approved.

It is recommended that:

1. The revised proposals and the revised investment are approved.

2. The approval of the business plan is delegated to the Strategic Director for Environment and Infrastructure in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Cabinet Member, once the negotiations with the Albury Estate have concluded.