Purpose

A report to update Members on progress and to approve the budget for the project.

Decision

RESOLVED:

a)    To welcome the extensive progress achieved by the Major Projects Team in advancing the initial phase of the Knights Farm West project to RIBA Stage 4.

Subject to Full Council approval of the budget allocation at recommendation f below:

b)    To approve the delivery of the waste depot, A267 access works and enabling infrastructure.

c)     To approve the use of the sum identified in the exempt report from the Council's retained Community Infrastructure Levy receipts towards delivery of the project.

d)    To delegate authority to the Director of Governance & Corporate Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Public Health and Asset Management, to approve the award of the construction contract to the preferred contractor at the appropriate time.

e)    To delegate authority to the Director of Governance & Corporate Services and/or the Head of Service for Assets and Major Projects to negotiate, agree, finalise, approve and enter into all other legal agreements required to give effect to this phase of the project. 

f)      To request that officers continue the development of the solar farm project and bring a revised business case to Cabinet in January 2027, including proposals to secure its financial viability and deliverability, with recommendations for progression.

To recommend to Full Council:

g)    To approve the allocation of the sums identified in the exempt report to support the delivery of this phase of the project, consisting of funding from the Council’s retained Community Infrastructure Levy receipts and the Council’s retained Capital Investment Reserve.