Decision Maker: Mid Suffolk Cabinet
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: Yes
It was RESOLVED:
1.1 That Cabinet fully considered the base business case for delivering an installation of a multi-function solar carport with battery storage.
1.2 That Cabinet agreed, having considered the business case under 1.1 above, to proceed with investment in the installation of a multi-function solar carport with battery storage by March 2022.
1.3 That Cabinet endorsed a preferred design option, subject to planning approval, based on the options attached as Appendix B of the report.
1.4 That Cabinet agreed to use up to £350,000 (including a contingency allowance and battery project ringfenced funds) of the £600,000 included within the 2021/22 capital programme.
1.5 That authority be delegated to the Assistant Directors for Economic Growth and Regeneration, and Environment and Commercial Partnerships to widen the business case to incorporate and link new leisure centre decarbonisation measures, such as air-source heat pump and roof-mounted PV technologies, utilising additional grant funding recently obtained. No changes will be made to the base financial business case unless it is improved or else not adversely affected by any revisions.
Reason for Decision:
1. The Council has declared a Climate Emergency and resolved measures to help achieve its ambition of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 so this significant project is a visible step forward.
2. Localised microgeneration of electricity utilising its own brownfield assets is a practical step the Council can take towards meeting its carbon ambitions.
3. The project not only provides local power to our leisure centre but also will offer a number of electric vehicle charging points in our town centre to encourage more sustainable forms of travel and support air quality.
4. An opportunity to match investment with external central government funding, already secured, is available to improve the viability and manage the risks of the proposed scheme.
5. An opportunity to integrate multi-function solar carport into a broader strategic solution for decarbonisation of public assets, without stalling progress or accessing external funds.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:
(a) DO NOTHING (Not Recommended) – make no investment in microgeneration for the site or benefit from associated carbon reduction. Forego the opportunity for accessing guaranteed external funding. Brownfield land remaining under-utilised. Strategic Priorities including Carbon Reduction Management Plan are not delivered.
(b) DELAY CONSIDERATION PENDING HOLISTIC COUNCIL ASSET MANAGEMENT & ENERGY DECARBONISATION STRATEGY (Not Recommended) – to delay making a decision at this point would add risks to the spend of external funding.
(c) ASSESS FEASIBILITY AND VIABILITY FOR MULTI-FUNCTION INSTALLATIONS (Recommended) – gain the evidence and site-specific technical appraisals and options necessary for the Council to consider a business case investment, and draw-down of external capital funding support.
Any Declarations of Interest Declared: None
Any Dispensation Granted: None
Publication date: 09/03/2021
Date of decision: 08/03/2021
Decided at meeting: 08/03/2021 - Mid Suffolk Cabinet
Effective from: 17/03/2021
Accompanying Documents: