Issue details

Proposed decision:

TheDeputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services to agree to:

1.     authorise the granting of a Lease in excess of 20 years to UK Power Networks in order that a new electricity substation can be built within the grounds of the school, to serve the newly built development for operational educational requirements; and

2.     delegate authority to 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. 

Reason for the Decision:

The granting of a Formal Lease in excess 20 years requires a Key Decision in accordance with the County Council’s Constitution (Property Management Protocol).

Background:

Due to considerable residential development in the locality, pupil roll numbers have increased. This has necessitated the expansion and relocation of Rosherville Church of England Primary School. Kent County Council is currently building a new school on land acquired under a Section 106 Agreement.

In order that an adequate electricity supply can be provided to the new facility, 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 facility cannot be operated without adequate electricity supply. The substation is necessary to ensure the development can be completed and brought into use.

How the proposed decision supports the Framing Kent's Future - Our Council Strategy 2022-2026: The decision will enable the provision  and operation of a brand new School. This supports KCC's commitment to maintaining its strategic role in supporting schools in Kent to deliver accessible, high-quality education provision.

Infrastructure for communities will be improved by the new substation, using modern materials and technologies associated with prevailing substation design and construction and protected for long term use by the presence of a long lease.?

Environmental Step Change objectives will also be achieved, as the proposed lease will compel the operator to use sustainable materials and reduce any carbon emissions compared to the existing substation, which will help the County Council achieve its Net Zero targets.

How the proposed decision supports Securing Kent’s Future 2022 -2026: Securing Kents Future - Budget Recovery Strategy.pdf

The decision supports Securing Kents Future 2022/26 strategy budget recovery since the land on which the new school is being built has been provided under a s106 and so there will be no requirement for KCC to fund the land acquisition.

The Sub Station necessary to power the school will be supplied at no cost to KCC other than cost for the preparation of the leases etc.