Decision

Approval for instruction and agreement for an electrical connection by Scottish & Southern Electrical Networks (SSEN) for Ashton Street, Trowbridge for 31 affordable housing properties and authorise the commitment of funds up to the amount specified

Reasons for the decision

Wiltshire Council’s Residential Development Team are responsible for the ongoing delivery of the Council House Build Programme, the programme will deliver in the region of 500 additional homes to the Councils HRA.

A full planning application is being prepared for the Councils land at Ashton Street, Trowbridge where 31 affordable homes are to be proposed to be delivered.

This instruction will enable the Council to build a 100% affordable housing scheme on the land, both contributing towards meeting the housing need within Trowbridge, but also to meeting the target of completing the Council House Build Programme.4. The project is expected to submit and receive full Planning Consent for 31 affordable homes.

This project uses 27 pre-ordered MMC units supplied by Rollalong, with 4 traditional homes to be constructed.

To enable the development of affordable housing at Ashton Street, we require an electrical supply connection. There is only one statutory undertaker for this service, SSEN (Scottish & Southern Electrical Networks).

The full cost of the connection is [redacted] which includes non-negotiable design phase expenses charge of [redacted] as detailed on the quote letter - the quote letter for the design is open for just 30 days.

NB Initially we will only instruct the design phase and issue a PO for that amount: [redacted] payable not later than 01st August 2026. Thereafter, subject to the outcome of the design work it may be that SSEN adjust their final offer, and a further PO would be raised post planning for the remaining amount. Should the amount be in excess of the total allowed within this RoOD, further approval would be requested under separate cover.

The scheme will require a substation and connections: ‘31 Domestic Install; 1 substation; Lay approximately 240m of HV cable and 295m of LV cable. All plots have been allowed for 5KW ASHP and 7KW EV charging (EVC).’

A full set of the design drawings is set out in the attached document.

The Council is required to enter into an agreement with SSEN, grant wayleaves for cable routes on our land, and pay the sum of [redacted] for the design and connection to take place. The costs associated with this work are allowed for within the approved CHBP project budget for Ashton Street.

As with other statutory utility providers it is not possible to seek an alternative price. The quote refers to and itemises contestable and non-contestable works. Non contestable works can only be performed by SSEN. Contestable works are priced on the basis of SSEN’s term contractor delivering the installation. From experience SSENs contractors are appointed on a tender basis by SSEN. They are well experienced in working the highways and dealing with householders, traffic, permissions etc. Were we to ask our ground works contractor once appointed it is
likely would use the same contractor owing to that sub-contractor’s specialist experience, but they would mark up the price 10-15% for their Overheads and Profit.

In addition by appointing SSEN to undertake the contestable works we avoid construction risk (cost and time) on that element of the works, and there are no direct PR and resident liaison issues for Wiltshire Council. As the works involve part road closures and traffic management there are extensive PR issues which can be managed by SSEN.

Agreement has already been sought to progress the wayleaves and easement applicable to this installation.

Due diligence has already been undertaken in appointing SSEN as a supplier of electricity networks and contractor to the Council and they already serve the Council for other infrastructure networks

See the attached document in line with Wiltshire Council’s Constitution.

Alternative options considered

No other options are available; an electricity connection is required to progress the scheme and SSEN is the only contractor in this area who can carry this out.