Agenda item

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive that sought approval to enter into Wayleave agreements with Western Power Distribution (WPD) for the laying of cables through Council owned land.

The Council had received a request to enter into various Wayleave agreements with WPD to allow them to lay new cables to facilitate an enhanced power supply to Jaguar Land Rover’s plant at Whitley. Having considered all the options that were made available, the conclusion reached would result in new cables being required to ensure a continued and enhanced power supply for Jaguar Land Rover.

The proposed route crossed various areas of Council owned land that did not form part of the adopted public highway and included parts of War Memorial Park, Hearsall Common, Stivichall Croft woodland common and open space, Leaf Lane open space, and allotment sites at Beechwood Avenue and Highland Road Coventry. Appendices to the report provided sectional plans of the proposed cable route, a site plan of the proposed cable route, and a site Plan of the Wayleaves required.

Members had received assurance that inconvenience to road users would be minimised as much as possible and that any events scheduled to be held in parks and on open space land along the cable route would not be affected by the proposals. Members acknowledged that the proposals were an indication of a secured future for Jaguar Land Rover in the City. They further acknowledged the possible benefit that the enhanced power supply could achieve in attracting other companies and organisations to the City, together with the employment opportunities they would bring.

RESOLVED that the Cabinet:

1.  Approves the request to enter into Wayleave agreements with Western Power Distributionfor the laying of cables through Council owned land (except the War Memorial Park which is the subject of a separate report, see minute 140 and 144 below). 

2.  Delegates Authority to the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and Director of Finance and Corporate Services to negotiate the terms of any agreement with Western Power Distribution(including the consideration as well as any compensation payments, for the disruption caused), undertake due diligence and complete the necessary legal documentation.