The Chief Office for Environmental & Operational Services presented the report which updated Members on progress to date on moving forward the implementation of the ‘Vision for Bradbourne Lakes’ and external funding for improvement and restoration works to the lakes.

The Chief Officer for Environmental & Operational Services reported that various surveys had been undertaken by the Land Use Consultants (LUC) in order to finalise costs of the proposed improvement and restoration works on Bradbourne Lakes. Such works would be funded externally by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Enovert and CIL Spending Board. An application had been made to the CIL Spending Board, with the meeting due to take place 9 December 2019. If the bid would be accepted, then CIL Spending Board would cover 20% of the total costs. Priorities, such as de-silting, had been decided in the event of receiving little or no funding. Further applications would be submitted in November.

In response to queries from Members, it was clarified that the surveys were undertaken in order to increase the chance of securing grants and that there would be a maintenance programme planned subject to funding after the restoration works.

Resolved: That the progress made on implementing the ‘Vision for Bradbourne Lakes’, the next steps and the potential opportunity to try and attract external funding for the improvement and restoration works identified in the ‘Vision’ document, be noted.