Issue details

Proposed decision:

The Deputy 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 former Walmer Science College site to serve new buildings for use by The Beacon and the County Council’s operational Southwood Centre; 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 Property Management Protocol.

Background

The Beacon currently occupies one of the buildings within the grounds of the former Walmer Science College and a capital project is being implemented to part refurbish / part rebuild other buildings on site for use and occupation by The Beacon.  The existing electricity supply to the County Council’s operational Southwood Centre, also located within the grounds of the former College, is also in need of upgrading. Such proposals necessitate installation of a new substation to serve both properties and UK Power Networks, as a Statutory Undertaker, also require additional capacity for all new substation developments which can be used in cases of local emergency.

In order that an adequate electricity supply can be provided to The Beacon and the Southwood Centre, it is necessary for a new electricity substation to be provided on part of the site, as owned by the County Council, for use and operation by UK Power Networks. 

The proposed new substation will serve the Schools in the first instance and feed out to the local electricity network in cases of emergency.

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 

Do not grant the lease - If the lease is not granted, the proposed new accommodation for use and occupation by The Beacon will have an inadequate electricity supply for its operational requirements, thereby compromising the purpose for which the buildings are being provided. 

Not granting the lease would create operational issues to two education properties.           

Grant the Lease - As the substation will serve operational education properties, it is recommended that the lease should be granted.

The new facilities for The Beacon 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  

This decision supports Framing Kent’s Future – Our Council Strategy 2022-2026 as the decision assists in enabling the provision of new education buildings for use by The Beacon as well as the operational Southwood Centre.  This supports KCC's commitment to maintaining its strategic role in supporting schools in Kent to deliver accessible, high-quality education provision.  

Infrastructure for the 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 contribute towards the County Council achieving its Net Zero targets.  

Financial Implications

The rent payable under the proposed formal lease shall be £1 (one pound) 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.

Legal Implications

Kent County Council will appoint Solicitors who will be asked to complete the formal Lease and manage permissions in respect of connections into the UKPN cable network.

Equalities Implications

The substation is required to provide power to new buildings for The beacon and the existing Southwood Centre, for delivery of education at these locations. This will benefit all users of the School, and the local community.

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 Kent County Council. 

Data Protection Implications

No Data Protection implications are anticipated as a result of entering into the formal Lease.