The Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action is scheduled to consider the award of a significant construction contract for a new river crossing. The meeting will also address questions from county councillors and allow for public address on agenda items.

HIF1 Culham River Crossing Construction Contract

A key item for consideration is the potential award of the Stage Two NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract for the HIF1 Didcot to Culham River Crossing scheme to John Graham Construction Limited. This decision is subject to the agreement of the target cost and programme for the works, finalisation of contract terms, and confirmation of sufficient funding. Authority is also sought for the Director of Environment and Highways to enter into related agreements with FCC Environment UK Limited and Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited.

The Didcot to Culham River Crossing is described as a critical component of the wider Didcot Garden Town Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF1) programme, designed to improve connectivity between Didcot and Culham. The scheme aims to relieve congestion and support the delivery of over 12,655 new homes and significant employment growth across the Science Vale. The project is funded primarily through the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) grant, supplemented by council capital allocations, Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP), and Section 106 contributions.

The report outlines that the estimated cost to complete construction is approximately £151 million, with the target cost yet to be agreed. The award of this contract is considered essential to maintain programme momentum and ensure the expenditure of the Homes England grant within the agreed timeframe of March 2028. Delaying the contract award could risk non-delivery of key milestones, loss of confidence from funders, and potential withdrawal of grant funding. The scheme is also noted to support the Council's Climate Action Framework by promoting modal shift through active travel provision and reducing congestion.

The procurement strategy involved a competitive tender under the Crown Commercial Service Construction Works and Associated Services Framework. John Graham Construction Limited was the successful contractor, having already been awarded Stage One contracts for detailed design, ground investigation, and pre-order of steel. The report indicates that the decision to award the contract poses no financial risk to the authority, as it is conditional on sufficient funding being allocated.

The report also details legal implications, noting the Council's role as the highway authority under the Highways Act 1980. It specifies agreements to be entered into with FCC Environment UK Limited for land access and adoption of works, and with Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited for land restoration and the construction of a bridge over a private railway siding. Insurance requirements have been confirmed as acceptable, and no additional staff resources are anticipated.

The current programme overview indicates that main construction is scheduled to run from May 2026 to October 2028, with the Homes England funding period ending in March 2028. Key risks identified include inflationary pressures, statutory undertaker delays, and compliance with funder milestones, which are managed through monthly risk reviews. Extensive public consultation was undertaken in 2018 and 2020, with ongoing stakeholder engagement and public information events held in October 2025.

Questions from County Councillors

The meeting is scheduled to include a session for questions from county councillors. Any councillor may submit a question on an agenda item by giving notice to the Proper Officer by 9 am three working days before the meeting. The total time for questions will be limited to 30 minutes, and any unanswered questions will receive a written response.

Petitions and Public Address

Members of the public will have the opportunity to speak on agenda items or present petitions. Requests to present a petition must be submitted no later than 9 am ten working days before the meeting, and requests to speak must be submitted no later than 9 am three working days before the meeting. Written statements can be submitted by those speaking virtually to ensure their views are captured if technology fails.