Mr Barrow (Cabinet Member for Environment), seconded by Mr Dignum, moved the recommendation of the Cabinet. He referred to previous consideration on 4 March 2014 when the Council had agreed the release of £250,000 from reserves to carry out the necessary works to set up an Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) at the Westhampnett Depot and to release of a further £110,000 to establish a second ATF test lane if the Cabinet was satisfied with the business case for this.
Since that time, space at the Depot had been reduced by the establishment of the gypsy and travellers transit site, and a re-appraisal of the ATF project had concluded that the Depot’s operations could be compromised by a two-lane ATF. In consequence an in-line ATF was proposed by extending the existing 20 metre building by a further 10 metres. This would increase the estimated costs to £515,000, and the Council was asked to release a further £155,000 from reserves.
The scheme was expected to generate new income to the Council, resulting in a payback within three years. It would also benefit the Council and local haulage companies and bus and coach operators by providing a local testing station, whereas the nearest was currently at Lancing and that was expected to close.
RESOLVED
That a further £155,000 be released from reserves to construct an Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) at Westhampnett Depot.