Decision details

To update on partnership working with the GOVT and outline the case for self-designation of the GOV and Washes as a national landscape – based on the outputs derived from a jointly commissioned piece of work undertaken by Arkwood.

The Cabinet has

(1)  reviewed and commented on the attached document entitled ‘Arkwood Report’ which sets out the rationale, options and implications of pursuing self-designation for the Great Ouse Valley and Washes;

(2)  noted the financial and resource commitments required to progress this work, including the significant Officer time need for coordination, engagement and governance development;

(3)  noted and accepted that the majority of the Ouse Valley Way lies outside Huntingdonshire’s administrative boundary, requiring cross-authority collaboration and limiting the HDC’s direct influence;

(4)  noted and considered uncertainties arising from forthcoming local government reorganisation, including the lack of clarity on future revenue streams and HDC’s ability to resource this work sustainably over the medium term;

(5)  agreed

(a)  that HDC should not proceed with further, detailed work with the GOVT in respect of self-designation at this time for the reasons set out in this report. As such, HDC’s involvement is limited to activities relating to partnership and collaboration with the GOVT based on the principles of Influence and Enable within the Corporate Plan;

(b)  that authority be delegated to the Place and Climate Lead in consultation with the Executive Leader, to formally write to the GOVT, to outline the position and thank them for their partnership and engagement to date; to provide confirmation that HDC recognises the value of the GOV within Huntingdonshire as a result of the various contributory formal designations (e.g. ecological and heritage) and its relationship with our Place ambitions; and to advise that HDC will continue to collaborate with them on the basis of the “Enable” and “Influence” principles from the Corporate Plan; and

(b.i)  to note the findings of the Arkwood Report and the great advantages in a self-designated Great Ouse Valley for the health, biodiversity, landscape and, most importantly, the economy of our region.

As outlined within the report.

As outlined within the report.

As outlined within the report.