Decision details

In October 2019 Ipswich Borough Council’s Executive gave approval to place an order with UK Power Networks (UKPN) for the supply of 1800kVA of power to the land plots to be served by the development of Phase 2A infrastructure works at Eastern Gateway, Sproughton (E/19/38).

Following the development of the Amazon depot, 1100kVa of this supply capacity remained available for further developments for a period of 12 months from the energisation of part of the supply to the Amazon site (17 September 2021).

To secure the continued availability of the remaining power for a further 12 months, Ipswich Borough Council must pay a fee to UKPN of £19,789.00. This will be funded from existing approved capital budgets.

The availability of this power is crucial for the further development of Eastern Gateway. The next land disposal, approved by Executive in March 2021 (E/20/55), is due to exchange shortly, with units being built and energised within the next 12 months.

An exemption from Contract Standing Orders has been made, as provision of the power capacity can be provided by only one supplier (UKPN). The period of the exemption is from between 20th August 2021 to 19th August 2022.

If the works had not been exempt from Contract Standing Orders then UKPN will not reserve power capacity and there could potentially be a significant risk for the Council should the capacity be used by a third party which will result in lost income.