Purpose

Bath Western Riverside (BWR) Phase 2 is situated on the former gas works site off Windsor Bridge Road. The BWR Phase 2 site will deliver new homes and forms a central component in the Authority’s 5-year housing supply. Through the provision of Homes England Housing Infrastructure funding, the Council acquired a 1/3 land interest in the site, approximately 4 acres, and has proceeded to undertake infrastructure enabling works to unlock the site for redevelopment.

On the 29th April 2020, the Council proceeded to enter into a Gas Rationalisation Agreement (GRA) with Wales and West Utilities to relocate all live gas infrastructure to the west boundary of the site to enable the Phase 2 residential development. Practical completion of the GRA works is scheduled for September 2023 which will trigger a sequence of property related legal transactions.

This ODD seeks approval to proceed with the two, property related transactions, that are required under the GRA immediately following PC:

Decision 1: Approval is requested to proceed to purchase necessary St William land for the purpose of a Gas Governor Compound for the sum of £64,388.00 (sixty four thousand, three hundred and eighty eight pounds).
Decision 2: Approval is requested to proceed to grant a 125 year lease of the above land for the purposes of a Gas Governor Compound to Wales & West Utilities for the consideration of £10.00.

Decision

In accordance with the delegated approval set out in the Cabinet Decision E3168, the Director of Regeneration & Housing in consultation with the S151 Officer, are requested to authorise officers to proceed with the above land transactions.

Alternative options considered

1. Do not proceed with the land transactions.

The Council is legally obliged to proceed with above land purchase and leasing under the Gas Rationalisation Agreement. The Wales & West Utilities operational assets are now constructed on the land concerned and must transfer to the utilities provider in accordance with GRA.