The report seeks approval of the terms of a proposed tripartite Agreement to grant an Easement (“the Agreement”) between the Council and National Grid Electricity Transmission plc (National Grid) and the Councils tenant that will limit rights to lay and maintain cables which would otherwise be granted under the National Grid (Western HVDC Link: Leasowe, Wirral to Connahs Quay, Flintshire) (Number Two) Compulsory Purchase Order 2012 (“the CPO”) where it affects agricultural land North of Birkenhead Road in Meols, known as The Carrs.

The Western HVDC Link project was first reported to Cabinet on 12 January 2012.  Approval to enter into an agreement relating to Leasowe Common, was obtained from the Licensing, Health & Safety and General Purposes Committee on 25 September 2012 and by way of a Delegated Decision of the Member for Corporate Resources on 9 January 2013 and approval to enter into agreements relating to Leasowe Foreshore and Wallasey Embankment was obtained by way of the said Delegated Decision of the Member for Corporate Resources made on 9 January 2013.

The report contains exempt information, set out in Appendix 1, which could potentially prejudice National Grid’s position in respect of agreements it has negotiated with other landowners.

Resolved – That the Agreement relating to works affecting land north of Birkenhead Road in Meols (The Carrs) be entered into on the terms reported, subject to agreed mitigation measures that will satisfy the findings of the Habitat Regulations Assessment referred to in the report.