Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: March 13, 2025

Purpose: To explain the reasons needed to improve the ability to lower the water level, at the reservoir, in accordance with Environment Agency guidance, should an emergency situation arise and seeking for approval to draw down the money from the development pool and receive delegated authority to procure the works

Content: RESOLVED   KEY DECISION   That the Executive:   a)         Approved the delivery of the reservoir drawdown capital works to comply with the EA guidance on drawdown capacity at Sywell Country Park Reservoir.   b)         Noted the request contained in the Capital Programme 2025-2029 to Full Council on 20th February 2025 for budget approval for the scheme totalling £1,180,000.   c)          Approved commencement of the procurement process as outlined in the report.   d)         Delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Assets & Environment, in consultation with the Executive Member for Climate and the Green Environment, to take all necessary actions to deliver the project, including awarding of the contract and placing the works.     Reasons for Recommendations:   ·       Installation of a siphon will provide the necessary drawdown capacity required for a Flood Category A dam and provide improved protection to park users and the wider community. ·       Completing the works ahead of September 2026 will allow the MIOS Action plan to be signed off and remove the risk of enforcement action being taken by the EA. ·       Address other minor recommendations around safety picked up in the supervising engineers report and operators.   Alternative Options Considered:   ·       Stillwater Associates carried out an options feasibility study included at  Appendix A detailing all options considered to address the drawdown capacity deficiency. Most of the options were discounted due to the cost, technical reasons, or impact on the Country Park.  ·       Doing  nothing is not available as the drawdown assessment identifies that the reservoir does not comply with Environment Agency guidance on lowering water in emergency situations.  As a result, the Council have signed up to an action plan with the Environment Agency, for the MIOS, to increase the drawdown capacity.