Purpose

The decision seeks approval to
sign a 50-year lease with Network Rail for the Greenway Project,
enabling public access to a 6.5km walking route between Lichfield
and Chasewater. Negotiations on the
lease with Network Rail first commenced in 2022, intense route
preparation and risk mitigations have been underway for the last 18
months. The Council and Back The Track
have committed significant effort to get this project to this
stage.
 
Route preparation is nearing
completion, including track removal, surface levelling, tree safety
works, fencing, signage, and access improvements.
 
Independent structural
assessments confirm the route’s assets are in sound
condition, with a very low risk of structural failure. Structural
insurance has been secured, covering all declared structures
(excluding culverts and the signal box), with a deductible applied.
Legal and insurance advice confirms a low likelihood of successful
consequential loss claims. Existing public liability cover is
deemed sufficient.
 
Whilst obtaining structural
insurance has been challenging, we have been able to procure
structural insurance that does transfer some risk. Financial
implications are contained within approved budgets.
 
This paper considers the Local
Government Reorganisation (LGR) context in
regards to this decision.

Decision

The Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy,
Ecology & Climate Change approved the signing of a 50-year
lease with Network Rail for the Greenway Project, enabling public
access to a 6.5km walking route between Lichfield and Chasewater.
 
This decision is subject to the following
conditions being met:
•Structural insurance and consequential
loss mitigations outlined in the June 2025 Cabinet Paper have been
actioned and concluded.
•Financial implications are contained
within approved budgets.
•A capital maintenance sinking fund has
been established.
•Public liability insurance is in place
and confirmed as appropriate.