Purpose

The decision to approve the decommissioning and clearance of all equipment at the former RAF Woodhall Spa remain as the previous decision:

1. Compliance with Licence Obligations: LCC occupies the site under a licence agreement with the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Leaving equipment in situ would constitute a breach of this licence, exposing the Council to potential legal and financial liabilities.

2. Response to MoD/DIO Requirements: The Defence Infrastructure Organisation has directed the removal of all TRF equipment following their asset review and the cancellation of the proposed sale of the site. Timely action ensures the Council complies with this directive.

3. Risk Mitigation: Decommissioning in a managed and planned manner reduces financial, reputational, and operational risks, including the possibility of additional costs if the MoD/DIO were to carry out removal themselves.

4. Responsible Management of Public Assets: All equipment was procured using central government COVID-19 funding. Removing and responsibly reallocating assets to other public sector partners or LCC services ensures maximum operational value and transparency in the use of public resources.

5. Maintaining Positive Relationships: A proactive and cooperative approach supports continued positive engagement with the MoD, DIO, and other public sector partners, which is strategically important for the County and future development opportunities involving MoD assets.

Decision

A decision is sought to approve:

An increased revenue budget to enable the decommissioning and clearance of all equipment and infrastructure installed at the former RAF Woodhall Spa Temporary Refrigeration Facility (TRF).

The funding requirement is an accepted cost pressure as the works are compulsory. The directorate will report this as an overspend pressure at quarter 1, with the intent to offset the cost pressure through wider underspend opportunities, should they develop.
Acceptance of the contractor’s updated quotation and authority to commence the decommissioning programme at the earliest opportunity.

Alternative options considered

Alternatives considered (same as the previous decision)

1. Handback in Current Condition
LCC could return the site to DIO/MoD without removing the TRF equipment. While this would avoid the immediate costs of decommissioning, it would place the Council in breach of the original licence and expose LCC to potential financial liabilities, as DIO would likely recover the costs of any works required to make the building suitable for future use. This approach could also damage relationships with MoD and central government.
2. Sale or Disposal of Equipment
The potential for selling, recycling, or reusing TRF components was considered. However, most equipment is out of warranty and no external buyers were identified. Only specific assets, such as
the generators and certain smaller items, have practical re-use options within LCC or partner organisations. The financial benefit of disposal is limited and does not materially offset the overall decommissioning costs.