Decision details

To provide a decision on whether the Council wishes to review the business case for Wrigley Head Solar Farm and explore options for delivery in light of positive changes in the status of the project and improvement in the outline financial model.

RESOLVED - That:
Option 2: Progress the project. Under this option, market testing will be carried out using the GMCA “Go Neutral” procurement call-off framework to secure high-level market feedback on outline costs, delivery and financing options as well as practical deliverability in terms of meeting the Planning Conditions attached to Planning Permission for the project and on-site technical considerations. Once this exercise is complete, an options report for the project will be presented to Cabinet.

Option 1: Do nothing. Under this option, no further work will take place on the project, and no further expenditure will be incurred. However, the £120K incurred thus far on developing the project would be abortive expenditure.
Option 2: Progress the project. Under this option, market testing will be carried out using the GMCA “Go Neutral” procurement call-off framework to secure high-level market feedback on outline costs, delivery and financing options as well as practical deliverability in terms of
meeting the Planning Conditions attached to Planning Permission for the project and on-site technical considerations. Once this exercise is complete, an options report for the project will be presented to Cabinet.

Option 1: Do nothing. Under this option, no further work will take place on the project, and no further expenditure will be incurred. However, the £120K incurred thus far on developing the project would be abortive expenditure.

Consultation took place with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Low Carbon as well as officers from Legal, Finance, Procurement and other services.