Decision

To approve Cheltenham Borough Council, in its capacity as landowner, entering into and executing the wayleave, easement, transfer and/or lease documentation required to facilitate the installation, adoption, operation, maintenance and access arrangements for the new electricity infrastructure serving the Golden Valley development, subject to the final documents being agreed by the council’s legal advisers.

Reasons for the decision

The new electricity infrastructure is required to serve the Golden Valley development. As landowner, the council must grant the necessary land and access rights for the substation sites, high-voltage and low-voltage mains and associated apparatus. The proposed documentation will enable the relevant network operators to adopt, operate and maintain the infrastructure and will support the planned electricity connection and future occupation of the development.

HBD is leading the legal process through Addleshaw Goddard, with One Legal acting for the council in relation to approval, execution and sealing. The decision records the council’s authority to enter into the required documents once their final form has been approved by the council’s legal advisers.

Background Information

Relevant background information comprises the correspondence concerning the new electricity connection for Golden Valley (reference CLMDEL-16341), the current electricity infrastructure design and legal plan, and the final wayleave, easement, transfer and/or lease documents when agreed.

Alternative options considered

The council could decline to grant the required rights. This option was rejected because it would prevent or delay completion and energisation of the electricity connection, affect delivery of the Golden Valley development and leave the network operators without the rights needed to access, operate and maintain the adopted infrastructure.