Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval for a funding contribution towards the next stage of development of the West London Orbital rail scheme (WLO) which involves the Option Selection stage in the Governance for Railway Investment Projects process (GRIP 3).

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To agree that the Council contribute £465,516 and £150,000 contingency funded from Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy, as its agreed share of the cost of taking forward the next stage of the development of the WLO.

(2)       To delegate authority to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Property, to approve use of contingency for the final sum payable following confirmation from all WLO borough’s governance processes.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 April 25

Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration seeking approval for a funding contribution plus contingency to support the next stage of development of the West London Orbital Rail Scheme (WLO).

In presenting the report, members were advised that the funding being sought represented a significant step in the progression of a project seeking to deliver crucial transport infrastructure for the area given the challenge for many residents created by the current lack of efficient orbital public transport connections across West London as well as addressing concerns relating to increased traffic, congestion and air pollution.  As such WLO had been developed to provide an alternative which, members were advised, would support efforts being made to address these issues and improve accessibility across the region, making it easier for residents to access work, education, and leisure opportunities without the need for lengthy or expensive travel.  In addition, members noted the significant economic, social, and environmental benefits that it was anticipated the scheme would deliver for Brent including the delivery of new homes and jobs, improved access to a range of employment and learning opportunities as well as the promotion of enhanced social inclusion, particularly for some of the more deprived areas of the borough.  Given the backing of all four WLO boroughs along with the Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation and funding contribution by TfL towards 50% of the costs it was felt the case for investment in the scheme remained compelling with WLO also supported in Brent’s Local Plan and Long-Term Transport Strategy as a key piece of infrastructure aligned with the Council’s growth and sustainability goals.

In welcoming the funding proposal, members took the opportunity to highlight the wider placemaking benefits of the scheme including the delivery of enhance social inclusion through the provision of an enhanced step free station network as well as improved connectivity through enhanced access to a range of leisure, culture, recreation, healthcare, employment and learning opportunities.  Recognising the significant opportunities also offered through WLO in relation to the promotion of growth and wider environmental impact, members were keen to add their support in seeking to progress the scheme as quickly as possible given the support from the Mayor for London and wide range of benefits that would be delivered across Brent and West London as whole.

As a result, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To agree that the Council contribute £465,516 and £150,000 contingency funded from Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy, as its agreed share of the cost of taking forward the next stage of the development of the WLO.

(2)        To delegate authority to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Property, to approve use of contingency for the final sum payable following confirmation from all WLO borough’s governance processes.