URL: https://democracy.lichfielddc.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=783

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member Decision

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The decision seeks approval to sign a 50-year lease with Network Rail for the Greenway Project, enabling public access to a 6.5km walking route between Lichfield and Chasewater. Negotiations on the lease with Network Rail first commenced in 2022, intense route preparation and risk mitigations have been underway for the last 18 months. The Council and Back The Track have committed significant effort to get this project to this stage.   Route preparation is nearing completion, including track removal, surface levelling, tree safety works, fencing, signage, and access improvements.   Independent structural assessments confirm the route’s assets are in sound condition, with a very low risk of structural failure. Structural insurance has been secured, covering all declared structures (excluding culverts and the signal box), with a deductible applied. Legal and insurance advice confirms a low likelihood of successful consequential loss claims. Existing public liability cover is deemed sufficient.   Whilst obtaining structural insurance has been challenging, we have been able to procure structural insurance that does transfer some risk. Financial implications are contained within approved budgets.   This paper considers the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) context in regards to this decision.

Content: The decision seeks approval to sign a 50-year lease with Network Rail for the Greenway Project, enabling public access to a 6.5km walking route between Lichfield and Chasewater. Negotiations on the lease with Network Rail first commenced in 2022, intense route preparation and risk mitigations have been underway for the last 18 months. The Council and Back The Track have committed significant effort to get this project to this stage.   Route preparation is nearing completion, including track removal, surface levelling, tree safety works, fencing, signage, and access improvements.   Independent structural assessments confirm the route’s assets are in sound condition, with a very low risk of structural failure. Structural insurance has been secured, covering all declared structures (excluding culverts and the signal box), with a deductible applied. Legal and insurance advice confirms a low likelihood of successful consequential loss claims. Existing public liability cover is deemed sufficient.   Whilst obtaining structural insurance has been challenging, we have been able to procure structural insurance that does transfer some risk. Financial implications are contained within approved budgets.   This paper considers the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) context in regards to this decision. The Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Ecology & Climate Change approved the signing of a 50-year lease with Network Rail for the Greenway Project, enabling public access to a 6.5km walking route between Lichfield and Chasewater.   This decision is subject to the following conditions being met: •Structural insurance and consequential loss mitigations outlined in the June 2025 Cabinet Paper have been actioned and concluded. •Financial implications are contained within approved budgets. •A capital maintenance sinking fund has been established. •Public liability insurance is in place and confirmed as appropriate.

Date of Decision: September 26, 2025