The report of the Head of Universal and Infrastructure Services seeks approval of the terms of a proposed Agreement to grant an Easement (“the Agreement”) between the Council and National Grid Electricity Transmission plc (National Grid) 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 Arrowe Park Golf Course and parts of Arrowe Country Park immediately adjacent to it.

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 Cabinet 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 Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources made on 9 January 2013. Approval has also been obtained, by way of a Delegated decision of the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services on 8 May 2013, to enter into an agreement in respect of agricultural land known as the Carrs in Meols.

The proposed Agreement will limit the effect of National Grid’s Compulsory Purchase Order where it impacts on Arrowe Country Park and Golf Course.

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 –

(1)  That the Agreement relating to the works affecting Arrowe Country Park and Golf Course be entered into on the terms set out in the report of the Head of Universal and Infrastructure Services.

(2)  That authority be granted to officers to finalise the negotiations of and complete the agreement for the proposed opted out lease on the most favourable terms, exploring further the possibility of a reinstatement package as outlined in the report.