URL: https://democracy.southend.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1480

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: Following the closure of Chalkwell Ramp in March 2025 on public safety grounds, the Council is committed to demolishing the current structure and replacing it with a temporary structure to return access from the station/highway to the beach for all users.

Content: Following the closure of Chalkwell Ramp in March 2025 on public safety grounds, the Council is committed to demolishing the current structure and replacing it with a temporary structure to return access from the station/highway to the beach for all users. The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Environment and Place) concerning the closure of Chalkwell Ramp in March 2025 on public safety grounds and the proposal to demolish the current structure and replace with a temporary structure to return access from the station/highway to the beach for all users.  This would enable the Council to work longer term on a permanent replacement structure, without removing further access.   Resolved:   1. That a contract be directly awarded to c2c’s current Chalkwell station AFA works contractor, Octavius Infrastructure Limited, in order to undertake works including the demolition of the current structure and installation of a temporary access ramp.   2. That, in awarding the contract, it be acknowledged that the decision is being taken as an urgent decision outside of the budget framework in accordance with Part 2, Section 5 of the Constitution for the reasons set out in the submitted report and that a report to Council on the addition of £0.766M to the 2025/26 capital investment programme funded by borrowing for the demolition of Chalkwell Ramp and its replacement with a temporary access structure.   3. That authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Environment and Place), in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to finalise the contract terms.   4. That it be noted that, in accordance with Part 5, Section 4 (Call-in and Urgency) of the Council’s Constitution, the call-in provisions shall not apply as the decision being taken is urgent for the reasons set out in the report.   Reasons for decisions:   1. The decision is being taken urgently as any delay likely to be caused would seriously prejudice the Council’s position in terms of being able to deliver the required works and not being subject to additional costs. In addition any delay would result in the Council not being able to return access to a public footpath in the required timescales. It has not been practical to convene a quorate meeting of the Council within the requirements of the Access to Information Procedure Rules due to the restricted timescales required in this case and reasons detailed in the report.  The Chair of Place Scrutiny has been consulted and is in agreement that the decision is urgent and advice has been sought from the Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer.   2. The key reason for the recommendations is due to the availability of suitable Network Rail track possessions (a 52 hour weekend). There are only two suitable track possessions remaining in 2025 (both in September).   3. The availability of the current c2c contractor undertaking adjacent works means that the track possession required is already in place and has been approved. This enables works to be undertaken more swiftly ensuring the demolition and removal of the existing unsafe structure and the erection of a temporary solution to reinstate the ramped access.   4. Not proceeding as recommended, would require future track possessions to be secured with Network Rail, with no clarity as to when such possessions would be available. This would result in significant delays with the work unlikely to be carried out until later in 2026 at the earliest.   5. If the September track possession was not utilised the Council would be required to make its own track possession request, incurring additional costs from Network Rail. Due to the nature of the possessions, we would need a 52hr possession for the demolition of Chalkwell Ramp and replacement access. Due to the widespread disruption this causes, these are carefully planned, usually 18 months to 2 years in advance. The possessions also come at significant cost, which covers Network Rail staff time overseeing the closure and any measures required to facilitate passenger travel (Bus replacement services etc) which are split between all possession holders. By awarding the contract to Octavius to undertake the required works at Chalkwell Ramp, the council’s share of the costs is currently c.£61K (paid directly to Network Rail) due to the AfA scheme being major works and sharing the costs. For a scheme with a sole possession holder (As we would be if we didn’t work alongside Octavius) we would likely be responsible for the full possession costs unless there are other major works at the same time. This could be circa £1m+ in certain circumstances.   6. If the Council were to undertake a full procurement for this specialist work, it would highly likely be limited to a very small number of contractors. It would significantly delay the process and the works   7. In addition, not proceeding as recommended would result in further negative publicity, due to the continued closure of a popular public footpath and the lack of alternative access (only currently via a much longer diversion route, utilising the main highway).   Other options:   To undertake a full procurement process for the work. This is not recommended as it would significantly delay the Council’s ability to reinstate access to the public footpath in a timely manner and highly likely incur significant additional cost, exacerbated by the need for the Council to also secure its own track possessions.   Note: This is an Executive Function Not eligible for call-in Cabinet Member: Cllr Cowan        

Date of Decision: June 16, 2025