Issue - meetings

Approval is sought to publicly consult on the draft Zonal Boundary associated with the Oldham District Heat Network Zone

Members of the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board scrutinised a report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive, the purpose of which was to seek approval to publicly consult on the draft Zonal Boundary associated with the Oldham District Heat Network Zone which was to be designated as part of forthcoming national Heat Network Zoning legislation.

The report presented two Options:

Option 1 (preferred Option) – To approve a public consultation on the draft Zonal Boundary for the AZP Heat Network Zone in Oldham. Under this option, the Council will be able to progress work to designate Oldham’s Heat Network Zone under the forthcoming national Heat Network Zoning legislation and remain compliant with the requirements of the forthcoming Zoning Co-ordination Body, as well as maximising the probability that the Council’s procured Strategic Energy Partner will inherit the rights to develop the Heat Network Zone in Oldham.

Option 2 – To not approve a public consultation on the draft Zonal Boundary for the AZP Heat Network Zone in Oldham. Under this option, the Council will not be able to progress work to designate Oldham’s Heat Network Zone under the forthcoming national Heat Network Zoning legislation and will not be able to remain compliant with the requirements of the forthcoming Zoning Co-ordination Body. Consequently it would not be possible for Oldham’s procured Strategic Energy Partner to inherit the rights to develop the Zone in Oldham, significantly limiting the potential local economic benefits associated with investment in this key energy infrastructure.

Resolved:

1.    That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board, endorses the recommendations detailed in the submitted report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive to:

a.    That the draft Zonal Boundary (provided at Appendix A) be approved for public consultation.

b.    That once the Zonal Boundary Consultation is complete, authority be delegated for implementation of the results of the consultation and finalisation of the Zonal Boundary to the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Directors of Legal Services and Growth, in line with any adopted process in respect of the forthcoming Zoning Co-ordination Body

2.    Requests that the Group Leaders meeting concurs, thereby enabling the Chief Executive to formally approve the recommendations in the report.