URL: https://democracy.southend.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1460

Decision Maker: Leader – Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Corporate Strategy

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: Entering into a non-exclusive licence with Connexin (UK) Limited for the use of lampposts/street furniture for telecommunications apparatus.

Content: Entering into a non-exclusive licence with Connexin (UK) Limited for the use of lampposts/street furniture for telecommunications apparatus. That the Council enters into a non-exclusive licence with Connexin (UK) Limited for the use of lampposts/street furniture for telecommunications apparatus.   This decision gives approval for Southend on Sea City Council to enter into an agreement with Connexin Ltd to use existing street light poles to collect data from water meters on behalf of Northumbrian water. The Council has been in negotiation with Connexin since October 2024. Connexin’s intention was to erect more than 260 10m masts across the City to support Northumbrian Water and Essex and Suffolk Water’s smart metering, which was undesirable to the Council.   Negotiations have been protracted but have now reached a solution that both parties accept.  This decision gives approval for Southend on Sea City Council to enter into an agreement with Connexin Ltd to use existing street light poles to collect data from water meters on behalf of Northumbrian water. This will avoid, as far as possible, the erection of masts by Connexin Ltd.   Due to the need to progress the agreement promptly it is impracticable for twenty-eight clear days’ notice to be given If agreement were not reached, Connexin would reconsider the erection of masts, which is the solution that the Council has sought to avoid. In accordance with the Council’s Constitution the call-in procedures shall not apply as the decision being taken is urgent and any delay likely to be caused by the call-in process is likely to seriously prejudice the Council’s or the public’s interest.   The Monitoring Officer has informed the Place Scrutiny Chair that the decision will be taken without twenty-eight days’ notice being given.

Date of Decision: March 20, 2025