Agenda item - Greater Brighton Energy and Water Plan

Report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board

1)            That the Board approves the development of Greater Brighton Energy and Water Plans.

2)            That the Board approves the delivery and governance proposals set out in paragraphs 3.16 to 3.20.

16.1      The Board considered a report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board that sought approval to proceed with development of an Energy and Water Plan for the Greater Brighton region.

16.2      Councillor Parkin noted that delivery would be co-ordinated with the Biosphere Board however; some of the Board’s membership was not included in the Biosphere region.

16.3      Nick Hibberd replied that the benefit in having the Biosphere Board as a partner in the project was the expertise of their Board Members in the planning and delivery of the energy and water plans. Southern Water were particularly keen to support work to produce a plan and the Chair of the Infrastructure Panel was also a member of the Biosphere Board. Nick Hibberd added that the production of an Energy and Water Plan linked in with the outcomes of the City Region Workshop and the Board’s links to the LEP were highly important in development of the respective Plans. In addition, there was a need as a City Region to understand electric and energy needs and develop to a wider level.

16.4      Councillor Humphries stated his uncertainty regarding the role of Southern Water and queried whether it would be appropriate to appoint an independent consultant with relevant expertise and knowledge to review the respective Plans.

16.5      Nick Hibberd agreed that it was important to ensure there was no direct conflict of interest and there may be a need to appoint an independent support and that was part of the reason behind the bid for INTEREG funding.

16.6      Prof. Dean asked if was intended to involve the universities in production and development of the plans particularly the Sussex Energy Group whose work was world-renowned.

16.7      Nick Hibberd replied that whilst there was not yet a full specification developed, the input of the universities and Sussex Energy Group would be very welcome.

16.8      Councillor Wall stated that the contribution from the universities would be welcome and they both should have a role to play.

16.9      Andrew Swayne concurred with Councillor Wall adding that there needed to be a balance of people and organisations involved.

16.10   RESOLVED-

1)            That the Board approves the development of Greater Brighton Energy and Water Plans.

2)            That the Board approves the delivery and governance proposals set out in paragraphs 3.16 to 3.20.