Decision
Analysis
outcome: The Executive has agreed to progress to the construction phase of the decarbonisation scheme for Windrush Leisure Centre.
summary: The decision at stake is the decarbonisation of Windrush Leisure Centre by replacing gas fired heating systems with Air Source Heat Pumps.
topline: The Executive has decided to progress with the decarbonisation of Windrush Leisure Centre by replacing gas fired heating systems with Air Source Heat Pumps.
reason_contentious: This issue is not particularly contentious as it aligns with climate goals and aims to reduce carbon emissions.
affected_stakeholders: ["Council", "Climate Change Manager", "Contractors"]
contentiousness_score: 2
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://meetings.westoxon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=441
Decision Maker: Executive, Council
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose:
Content: Councillor Andrew Prosser, Executive Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery, introduced the item, the purpose of which was to present the business case for the decarbonisation of Windrush Leisure Centre. This process involved removal of the reliance on gas fired heating systems and replacing these with Air Source Heat Pumps. Councillor Prosser detailed the reduction in the Council’s annual carbon emissions achieved by the scheme. Funding for the scheme was explained to be a combination of Council funding and Salix grants. The scheme must be delivered and operational by 31 March 2026 to secure the remaining grants. In the discussion it was noted that the 8.8% reduction in total Council carbon emissions achieved by this scheme demonstrated the huge step this scheme would be making towards climate goals. It was noted that the March 2026 deadline carried risk of losing funding, however Officers dealt with such projects and timescales regularly and had expertise in doing so. The Climate Change Manager noted that preparations had been made to enable contractors to be on site very soon following approval by the Executive, the planning permission application was going to Uplands Area Planning Sub-Committee, and it was the aim to complete the scheme by January to allow room to resolve any issues. Councillor Prosser proposed accepting the recommendations of the report. Councillor Smith seconded the recommendations This proposal was voted on and approved unanimously. RESOLVED: That the Executive: 1. Agreed to progress to the construction phase of the Windrush Leisure Centre decarbonisation scheme. 2. Recommended to Council to allocate an additional council contribution of £340,683 towards the project in addition to the £224,866 already included within the capital programme. 3. Requested Officers to bring forward a works programme for the activities identified in the recent condition survey for the Windrush Leisure Centre.
Date of Decision: July 9, 2025