Issue - meetings

Executive Summary

This report seeks Cabinet approval to grant a lease to UK Power Networks (UKPN) for a small area of land at Trap Lane leased from Fakenham Town Council. The lease is required for the construction and operation of a power substation to support the expanded leisure centre being constructed in the FLASH project. Construction of the substation is scheduled to commence in April 2026. There are no alternative options if the leisure centre project is to proceed.

Options considered

1. Approve the lease to UKPN for the substation site.
2. Reject the lease – this would prevent the leisure centre expansion as no alternative power solution exists.

Consultation(s)

Steve Hems - Director for Communities (Project Sponsor)

Nicola Swan - Solicitor, Eastlaw

Recommendations

It is recommended to Cabinet to provide approval to:

·               To grant a ‘99years less one day’ lease to UKPN for the construction and operation of a substation on Trap Lane land.

·               Delegate approval to the Asset Strategy Manger or the Assistant Director for Finance and Assets to agree the exact terms of the above legal agreement.

Reasons for recommendations

The substation is essential for the leisure centre expansion project. Without this lease, the new substation cannot be built which would mean the power demands of the new facility could not be met.

Background papers

Report to Full Council – 27th July 2022

Report to Full Council – 20th December 2023

Report to Cabinet – 8^th July 2024

Wards affected

Fakenham wards (Lancaster North and South); and wards

in the west of the district including Briston, Priory, Stibbard,

Stody, The Raynhams, Walsingham; Wells with Holkham.

Cabinet member(s)

Cllr, L Shires

Contact Officer

Milo Creasey – Estates Surveyor - milo.creasey@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Renata Garfoot - Asset Strategy Manger -Renata.Garfoot@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Links to key documents:     

Corporate Plan:         

The 2023-2027 Corporate Plan themes - Developing.

our Communities and A Strong, Responsible and

Accountable Council

Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)                                

The contents of this report do not directly impact upon the

MTFS. Wider financial implications of the Fakenham Leisure and Sports Hub have been considered in earlier reports to Full Council.

Council Policies & Strategies

Asset Management Plan 2018 - 2022