🚅🌳 NETWORK RAIL AND HUTTON MOOR ROAD

Several weeks ago, I met with some residents from Methwyn Close about the impact of the recent tree removal works by Network Rail at Hutton Moor Road.

The work was essential due to tree roots damaging property, but the removal of the ...trees has had a wider impact - resulting in more noise, litter, and a lack of privacy for those homes whose gardens back onto the area.

I am incredibly frustrated that after writing to the CEO of Network Rail to request additional solid fencing closer to the pavement, to help minimise the impact, this request has been declined on the grounds that their only obligation was to replace a like-for-like wire fence.

I understand Network Rail will be reviewing the area again soon, and I strongly urge them to do the right thing and agree to this entirely reasonable request from residents.

🎸 WHY I VOTED FOR THE TROPICANA PROPOSAL

There has rightly been a lot of attention over the past few days regarding the future of the Tropicana.

I voted to progress the work to explore this opportunity in more detail, because this allows us to start answering the ...'unknowns' that must be understood before a final decision is made.

The Tropicana has seen various false starts and false hopes over the years. In my view, rejecting this proposal before the detailed work is even finished would be shortsighted and could let a massive opportunity for Weston slip through our fingers.

What does this vote actually mean?

The recommendation was simply to move to the next stage and in principle award the lease to Live Nation subject to further decisions, which includes:

- Detailed design work
- A formal planning application (where noise management and travel plans will be scrutinised)
- More detailed financial planning

Councillors will then have a final vote around October on whether to fully commit.

This is a complex situation but could potentially be a great opportunity for Weston if done right.

Taking the time to scrutinise the details before the final 'go/no-go' in October is the most responsible way forward in my opinion.

🎸 TROPICANA: UPDATE PUBLISHED

At tonight's council meeting we'll be discussing the future of the Tropicana.

A new report has just been uploaded that changes the governance recommendations that councillors will be asked to vote on today.

Effectively, there ...will be additional decision points that councillors will be involved in - which is really important considering the balance between risk and opportunity, and level of scrutiny this requires.

Specifically the decision to borrow £millions will be pushed back to a future meeting and work will continue in the interim to identify ways to close the financial gap, and identify grants.

I'm paraphrasing, but councillors are in essence being asked to support the awarding of the lease to LiveNation (with various conditions that have to occur before this is final i.e planning application, decision on borrowing) and agree for more detailed work to happen and preparations for design and planning applications.

The is one change following negotiations and that is the has been an agreement in principle for a restoration levy to be applied to tickets sold which would bring in additional ring fenced income to support the maintenance of the structure for the next 25 years. This could bring in a further £100k per year to cover maintenance.

The trade off is the restoration levy will replace the previous agreement of a profit share arrangement.

The document is called Addendum B and you can read it here: https://n-somerset.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s8750/05.3%20Addendum%20B.pdf

📄 FULL COUNCIL AGENDA

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is North Somerset Council's full council meeting.

On the agenda is:

1️⃣ Tropicana Business Case
2️⃣ Appointment of cabinet members, chairman/women of the council etc
3️⃣ Outcomes of the West of England ...Combined Authority (WECA) consultation
4️⃣ Councillor question time

👉 Watch the meeting live on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbsdMdr-QCw

📄Read the papers: https://n-somerset.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=169&MId=1375