Decision details

Gary Rowland from Atkins presented a report (circulated) regarding the Strategic Outline Business Case for the Burnley-Pendle Growth Corridor Improvement Scheme.

It was reported that the total cost envelope for the scheme was £11.57m comprising an £8m contribution from the Local Growth Fund through the Lancashire Growth Deal and a £3.57m local contribution raised by Lancashire County Council and Hyndburn, Burnley and Pendle Borough Councils.  The local contribution amounted to 31% of the total cost.

Having undertaken an independent assessment of the Strategic Outline Business Case on behalf of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Atkins were satisfied that the project had been developed to the expected standard in most areas and recommended that funding approval be granted.  The project was predicted to deliver very high value for money with a benefit to cost ratio of 6.8 (against the LEP minimum criteria of 2.0) and has the potential to generate £12.5m in wider economic benefits.

It was confirmed that the Strategic Outline Business Case had been published on the LEP website for comment for a minimum of six weeks prior to this committee with one response received which was broadly supportive.

Resolved:  The Transport for Lancashire Committee considered the Strategic Outline Business Case and endorsed the recommendation contained therein that funding approval be granted, and that it be recommended for formal approval by the LEP Board at its meeting to be held on 15^th December 2015.