Decision details

To submit an application to Gloucestershire County Council for a Highways Agreement to enable Cheltenham Borough Council to proceed with phase 1 improvement works on Cheltenham High Street East.

High Street East requires significant improvement to enhance its attraction as a destination for shoppers and recreational users. CBC’s approach reflects its wider ambition for place as set out in the emerging place strategy.

In order for CBC to finalise its works contractor and to undertake the works a formal agreement is required with the Highways Authority (Gloucestershire County Council) as set out in its ‘Manual for Gloucestershire Streets’.

The project budget covers the application cost of £1,000. The final agreement, which will be the subject of a future decision notice, may entail further costs to CBC.

CBC Officers are working closely with the GCC team and will respond to any issues arising from GCC consideration of the Highways Agreement as appropriate in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Development and Safety.

Without a formal agreement the works cannot be undertaken.

Other frameworks for the agreement were discussed and rejected based on legal advice from GCC.

All consultees are supportive of the decision to progress with the first phase of improvement works as a priority and to therefore submit and agree an application for a Highways Agreement.

Consultation on the proposals which form the basis of the application has been undertaken with:

1. The Leader of the Council, the Cabinet Member for Development and Safety, and wider Cabinet
2. Overview and Scrutiny Committee
3. Key stakeholders including Cheltenham Business Improvement District, John Lewis Partnership, Cheltenham Development Taskforce and Gloucestershire County Council
4. Cheltenham Development Task Force Board (quarterly board meeting)
5. Executive Board
6. HighHigh St East Project Board