Proposed Decision:
The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services to agree to:
1. authorise the granting of a new lease, for a term in excess of 20 years, in order for a new electricity substation to be built within the school grounds. This will serve new operational accommodation and development within the school grounds; and
2. authorise the Director of Infrastructure, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services, to take necessary actions, including but not limited to entering into relevant contracts or other legal agreements, as required to implement this decision.
Reason for the Decision
KCC is converting and upgrading the heating system at St Edmunds Church of England Primary School in West Kingsdown. In order for the new air source heat pumps to be commissioned and become operational, a new electricity substation is required to be provided on the school site by UK Power Networks and therefore requires Kent County Council (KCC) to grant them a lease of a term of 99 years.
Background
KCC is currently converting and upgrading the heating system from oil to a much more efficient air source heat pump system following the receipt of external funding. The air source heat pumps cannot be powered by the existing electricity supply to the school. In order that an adequate electricity supply can be provided for the new pumps, it is necessary for a new electricity substation to be provided on site by UK Power Networks.
The proposed new substation will serve the school only and no other properties.
For consistency with other leases granted on operational school sites to UK Power Networks and similar Statutory Undertakers, a lease of 99 years will need to be granted for the provision and operation of the new substation.
Options Considered
No other options were considered as the new air source heat pumps cannot be operated via the school’s existing electricity supply, and the substation is necessary to ensure the new plant can be completed and brought into use.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: Sevenoaks Rural North East;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 28/02/2023
Decision due: Not before 26th Apr 2023 by Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services
Lead member: Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services
Lead director: Rebecca Spore
Department: Strategic & Corporate Services
Contact: Andrew White, Principal Estates Manager Phone number: 03000 416825 Email: andrew.white@kent.gov.uk.
Financial implications: The rent payable under the proposed formal lease shall be a peppercorn rate per annum, for consistency with other similar leases granted to UK Power Networks and other Statutory Undertakers, for the provision of substations within operational school sites to serve developments for the school. Each party will bear its own surveyors fees and legal costs upon completion of the Formal Lease.
Legal implications: External legal advisors will be appointed as appropriate, in consultation with General Counsel.
Equalities implications: An Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) has been completed and it is not felt that this decision presents any impact on any of the nine areas specified by KCC.