Decision details

To enable additional works to be carried out, to even out the gradients of the three platform levels and for the provision of a geotextile membrane and capping layer across the site.

To vary the Keltbray Remediation contract for Decoy Farm and increase the total contract value to £3,087,997.64.

To fully utilise the Local Enterprise Partnership allocation of funding to carry out additional ground works that will improve and add value to the site. 

Decoy Farm has 3 step platforms consisting of a central, a northern and southern section all at different levels.  By reducing the levels to make them the same across the site, it will tie-in the northern and southern sections to that of the central platform.  This will significantly improve the gradients, add value and generally increase the desirability of the site to a potential developer.  A geotextile membrane and capping layer will also be installed to help prevent future colonisation of reptiles and other wildlife until the site is developed.  The completion date for the works of 31st March 2021 remains unchanged.

Do nothing, minimum or status quo: Site left in an unusable and potentially hazardous condition. Its historical use as a landfill site and underlying viability issues means that it cannot be developed in any way without investment and will require constant monitoring to manage the risk of distillate contaminating adjoining land.  Land will be left unused, contamination risks will increase over time and the remaining funding would potentially be clawed back.

Proposed option: Using remaining LEP funding to carry out land remediation of Decoy Farm completed in readiness for site development.  Remediation of an unsightly, hazardous site to improve its environmental quality.  Remediation of the landfill will remove development barriers and will enable the council to realise the sites full commercial and environmental improvement potential including the proposed development of circa 13,500m2 of industrial units and associated landscaping.  The completed project will see the land recovered to a condition that will support redevelopment and boost employment opportunities and economic performance across the region.