Dear All,
The 13th November has been cancelled. You will find below the letter I received on the 12th November from John Miller regarding the matter. Keep watching this space as I will soon update the blog with a post on Jesmond Dene site visit and our next meeting.
Sebastien
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John Miller
Head of Sustainable Development
Regeneration Directorate Civic Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8PD
Phone: 0191 211 6002 Fax: (0191) 211 4978 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Our Reference: JFM/JC Your Reference:
12th November 2007
Sebastien Tellier
JBA Consulting
St Nicholas Chambers,
Amen Corner,
The Side,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE1 1PE, UK
Dear Sebastien
Ouseburn River Improvement Scheme (including barrage) – Progress Report of Ouseburn Catchment Steering Group: November 2007
Thanks for requesting the Council’s attendance at the meeting of the Ouseburn Catchment Steering Group (OCSG) on 13th November.
Unfortunately, due to other commitments, the Council and their representatives will be unable to attend the meeting in person.
However, I have provided an update note on the progress one the Ouseburn Barrage since the Public Inquiry in September 2006
for your information.
The project is centred upon the implementation of the Ouseburn River Improvement Scheme (ORIS) via the construction of a weir
with guillotine gate lock structure (the Barrage) within the river under Glass House Bridge close to the junction of the estuary with
the River Tyne. The construction of a barrage will create a linear freshwater lake or canal through the retention of a permanent
depth of water behind the structure. The project also includes other river improvements including quay wall repairs, landscaping
and river management for wildlife.
There has been extensive consultation throughout the development of the project with local stakeholders and statutory/non statutory bodies. This began in 2000 when options for improving the river were being considered. The Options Study was informed by discussions with the Ouseburn River Improvement Strategy Steering Group which comprised the Ouseburn Partnership, the Council, the Ouseburn Trust, the Environment Agency, Northumbrian Water Ltd and the Port of Tyne Authority. A number of public forums were held in the valley along with consultations with various bodies between 2000 and 2003 to allow people to the view the options under consideration and make comments.
On 11 November 2004 the Council submitted an application for an Order under the Transport and Works Act 1992 with an Environmental Statement and Appendices. It deposited these documents and advertised them, carrying out a statutory consultation in accordance with the Transport and Works Act (Applications and Objections Procedure) (England and Wales) Rules 2000, allowing 6 weeks for objections to be submitted to the Secretary of State. At the same time it submitted an application to the local planning
authority for conservation area consent. During the 6 week objection period, 10 letters of objection and 2 letters of support were submitted to the Department for Transport. The majority of these objections were withdrawn following discussions with the Council. Further letters of objections and support were also received post submission. A Public Inquiry took place in September 2006.
Following the Public Inquiry, I am pleased to advise that approval was granted by the Secretary
of State for Transport to construct the barrage in accordance with the Transport and Works Act 1992
- Ouseburn Barrage Order.
In recommending approval of the barrage, the Inspector stated that:
“the wide-ranging regeneration and socio-economic benefits of the scheme
would clearly outweigh the limited environmental impacts that would remain
after mitigation. The case for making the Order, including the proposed
compulsory purchase powers, is compelling and in the public interest”
Following this decision, the Council awarded a stage 1 design contract
after a competitive tendering process in order to work up detailed designs
for the scheme and the operating requirements. This work is ongoing in discussion
with external agencies. The current programme for design and construction is attached.
It is anticipated that the project will start on site in January 2008, with completion in December 2008.
The current funding portfolio for the scheme is as follows:
Bridging Newcastle Gateshead £ 150,000 (secured)
Single Programme £1,400,000 (application made to One North East)
ERDF £1,000,000 (application made to Government Office)
Developer Contributions £ 800,000 (agreed by Executive Mar 03)
The final costs of the scheme have yet to be agreed and are dependent on final detailed design and progress on various operating protocols
including those set out in the Council’s Deeds of Undertaking with the Environment Agency, Northumbrian Water Ltd, Natural England and
the Royal Yachting Association.
A report considering, funding, costs, operating protocols and risks will be submitted to the Council’s Executive
on 19th December 2007.
I understand that the OSCG are particularly interested in the agreement with Natural England and that you have a copy of this agreement.
The Council and their representatives met with Natural England in April 2007. (Minutes of this meeting are attached for you information).
Subject to approval at Executive in December, the Council and their representatives will draw up detailed on-site and off-site river management
plans for consideration by Natural England in accordance with the agreement. The Council will be happy to present and discuss these proposals
to the OCSG and would welcome the Group’s comments when progress on this has been made. This is likely to be in January next year.
In the meantime, if you have any queries in respect of the above, please let me have your comments either in writing, or via Colin Percy, the Council’s representative at your Group, and I will respond accordingly.
Yours Sincerely
John Miller
Head of Sustainable Development
