Purpose

Proposed
decision:
The Deputy Leader and Cabinet
Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services to agree
to:
 

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 

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.
 

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.