Purpose

The Cabinet Report requires a decision on the proposal to use the Environment Agency 'Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme' (CTAP) external funding, to acquire the ‘Hensleigh House’ property in Charmouth as a future relocation site for the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre (CHCC), a community asset projected to be lost to coastal erosion by 2055.

Decision

(a)       That the transfer of Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme funding (as set out in exempt Appendix A) to Charmouth Parish Council for the acquisition of Hensleigh House (or a suitable alternative), be approved;

(b)       That Cabinet approves Dorset Council acting as facilitator and enabling authority for the acquisition in support of the Future Coast Dorset programme;

(c)        That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Economy & Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Place Services, Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer, to finalise and enter into all necessary funding agreements, legal agreements and associated documentation and take all incidental decisions relating to the matter;

(d)       That the Executive Director for Economy & Environment be delegated to sign the requisite PMG1 and Sealing Form; and officers be authorised to proceed with the transfer, subject to satisfactory valuation, survey, planning, legal and funding compliance outcomes.

Reason for the decision

To deliver a key coastal adaptation project, strengthen the long-term resilience of Charmouth, protect an important community asset, and maximise the benefits of external funding while supporting Dorset Council’s priorities and ensuring timely use of programme funding.