Decision
Analysis
outcome: The installation of photovoltaic arrays at the leisure centres was endorsed, with funding approved and Leisure Energy appointed to complete the installations.
summary: The decision at stake is the installation of photovoltaic arrays at Southam and Studley Leisure Centres by Stratford-on-Avon District Council.
topline: The Stratford-on-Avon District Council has decided to endorse the installation of photovoltaic arrays at Southam and Studley Leisure Centres.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious due to concerns raised about investment return, payback, lifespan of the solar panels, and consideration of alternative energy sources.
affected_stakeholders: ["Stratford-on-Avon District Council", "Leisure Energy", "Everyone Active"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.stratford.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4010
Decision Maker:
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: Councillor Adam – Projects and Communications Portfolio Consideration was given to options as to how Stratford-on-Avon District Council (SDC) might proceed with the installation of photovoltaic arrays at Southam and Studley Leisure Centres. In receiving the report, it was noted that SDC had recently completed the installation of solar photovoltaic arrays at the Leisure Centres at Stratford-upon-Avon and Shipston-on-Stour. These had been supported by Central Government funding through the Swimming Pools Fund and were installed by Leisure Energy who were appointed through a framework procurement. For future projects, it was proposed that in order to maintain ongoing compatibility, operation, maintenance and monitoring, Leisure Energy would be the preferred provider. In addition, the cost was proposed to be funded from the Climate Change reserve, with a legal agreement developed between the Council and Everyone Active. The options available to The Cabinet were to proceed using a framework call off, carry out a full procurement exercise prior to proceeding, grant an exemption to the procurement exercise and proceed, commission Everyone Active to carry out the installations, or not proceed with the project. In response to a query regarding expanding projects to other Council owned buildings and land, and how to promote the successes, the Chair and Portfolio Holder advised that discussions were already ongoing. Councillor Crump, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC), provided feedback from the meeting of the OSC held on 28 May 2025, and noted queries in regard to investment return and payback, lifespan and manufacturing site of the solar panels and whether alternatives such as heat pumps and turbines had been considered. Accordingly, it was RESOLVED: (1)That the installation of photovoltaic arrays at Southam and Studley Leisure Centres be endorsed; (2)That the release of the necessary funding of approximately £400,000 from the Climate Change reserve be approved; (3)That the procurement of the project be commenced and exemption to Standing Orders to allow the appointment of Leisure Energy to complete the installations be granted; and (4)That the Deputy Chief Executive be authorised, in consultation with the Council’s S151 Officer and Monitoring Officer, to complete the procurement and award the contract to deliver the photovoltaic arrays. Note: In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, this item is not subject to call-in to the OSC
Date of Decision: June 2, 2025