Agenda item

Report by the Chief Operating Officer

42.1     The Chief Operating Officer introduced report, which includes progress on solar projects, a list of assets for disposal, and a draft Meanwhile Use policy.

Solar

42.2     The Committee discussed the Solar projects outlined in the report. The Chief Operating Officer confirmed that the solar panels last between 20 – 25 years and that the reduction in the feed in tariff meant that the remaining projects could no longer achieve the required payback period.

42.3     The Committee asked if the benefit figures in the report represented income or savings in costs. It also asked if solar had reduced the running cost of County Hall. The Chief Operating Officer responded that the benefits should reflect both income and a reduction in costs, but will come back to Committee and confirm. The Committee asked for a short item to be presented to the RPPR Board on the breakdown of Solar benefits.

42.4     The Chief Operating Officer reported that the cost of heating County Hall  had been reduced by 56% due to the combined introduction more efficient gas boilers, the window replacement programme and the installation of solar panels. This achieved a saving of around £29,000 for this building, and the utilisation of these energy saving measures across the Council had led to savings of around £500,000. 

Property Pipeline.

42.5     The Committee noted the list of surplus assets and their current status. The Chief Operating Officer confirmed that these were all the assets currently declared surplus, but more assets may be added in the future. The Committee discussed a number of assets on the list and asked for further information as detailed below.

·        Homefield Place is not on the list. The Chief Operating Officer to update Councillor Lambert.

·        Land acquired as part of the Hastings to Bexhill Link Road project. Some land has been exchanged to reduce ESCC’s compensation liabilities. A report will be presented to the Lead Member for Resources on the disposal of the Adams Farm on the 15 November 2016. The Chief Operating Officer will provide an update to Councillor Barnes.

·        Former West St. Leonards Primary School site. ESCC is seeking to develop this site and is having discussion with other partners. There are flooding considerations for parts of this site which will limit potential development/uses.

·        Former Grove School site. It is proposed to redevelop this site for housing to meet the housing need in the area. An application for planning permission is to be considered by the Hastings Borough Council Planning Committee. ESCC have re-provided the school and the capital receipt will help fund the schools programme. It is possible to restrict the use of the site to guard against future gains in value, but this can limit the amount of the money received from the sale of the site. ESCC may act as the developer for this site.

Meanwhile Use.

42.6     The Committee commented that it believes that Eastbourne Borough Council and possibly Hastings Borough Council may have a Meanwhile Use policy. The Chief Operating Officer responded that Meanwhile Use tends to be more suitable for the type of properties that District and Borough Councils own around town centres, rather than the type of property that ESCC typically owns.

42.7     The Committee added that Meanwhile Use not just about community use but also commercial use. The public have a negative perception of empty buildings, which can lead to reputational damage for the Council. Consequently ESCC may need to be slightly more proactive, as it may be missing out on income generating or cost minimisation opportunities. The Committee asked the department to report back with the final version of the Meanwhile Use policy.

42.8     The Committee RESOLVED to:

1)           note the property updates including solar projects and the list of surplus property assets;

2)           request further information on the breakdown of solar project benefits at the December RPPR Board; and

3)           receive an update when the Meanwhile Use policy is finalised.