Purpose

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.

Decision

As Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for
Finance, Corporate and Traded Services, I  agree to:
 
1. authorise the granting of a lease in excess
of 20 years to UK Power Networks (UKPN) 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.