FOI request (FOI-97554335)

Further request for documents relating to Cllr Chowney's reply to point 11 of my question to full council 15/02/2017

Requested Wed 28 November 2018
Responded Fri 30 November 2018

In a reply to a question to full council on 15/02/2017 Cllr Chowney stated:

11. What progress has been made by HBC in pursuing the goals referred to in point 11? Namely:

a. Working with its engineers to make the glen accessible through an engineered solution

Point 11 actually says: "The Council will therefore work with its engineers to see if Ecclesbourne Glen can be made accessible through an engineered solution. Our geotechnical contractors have reviewed this and advised against either trying to realign the route of the closed path through this part of the Glen, or an engineered solution such as a suspended walkway.

b. Establishing costs of such works

Our geotechnical contractors considered 2 options for realigning the path on the ground. They estimated that one would cost £12k and the other £17k. Again they considered 2 options for a suspended walkway, and estimated the cost of both could be between £250k and £500k.

c. Securing a design that offers long term stability

Our geotechnical contractors don't think there is such an option for this site. All options are expensive, and the path realignments, and suspended walkway options are all considered to be vulnerable to the impact of future landslips. Therefore, as the paths are closed and a diversion in place, they recommend that the Council leave the paths closed and allow the landslide to continue to move without having to plan for construction of footpaths, removal of trees from a SSSI and the associated ongoing maintenance

d. Obtaining external funding

The Council has not identified any external funding for the work that would be required, and given the advice from our geotechnical contractors, it would be irresponsible to seek such funding, as there is every likelihood that the works could be destroyed by future landslips.

I note that Councillor Chowney does not refer to any documents or advice received from the geotechnical contractors concerning slope stability within Rocklands caravan park. It is clear that footpaths cannot be reopened without first understanding the causes and stabilising the landslip.

Please provide me with all supporting documents and correspondence provided by the Geotechnical consultants which refers to the causes of the landslip and the possible means by which it can be stabilised

Please take this as a formal request under EIR legislation.

Response

Hastings Borough Council has provided you with all the reports they are willing to disclose.