URL: https://democracy.adur-worthing.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1294

Decision Maker: Interim Chief Executive

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: To dispose of land for a term of 99 years in conjunction with the installation of the Worthing Heat Network project. This is part of the ongoing project which commenced in 2022.   Pipeline leases for the Worthing Heat Network would be granted.   Homefield Park: To allow for the installation of a necessary section of the network’s underground pipework.  Granting a 99 year lease of the subsoil allows for the long term installation of the pipes which are essential for supporting low carbon heat to connect buildings and achieve the network’s goal of decarbonizing the town’s energy supply. This is a key step in the project to reduce carbon emissions and provide cheaper heating options for the community.   Lease purpose:  A lease of the subsoil is the legal mechanism for the council to allow Hemiko, the project’s developer, to install and maintain this pipework beneath the park with a 99 year lease being appropriate for this purpose.    High Street Energy Centre: To allow for the installation of a necessary part of electrical infrastructure to connect the Energy Centre (EC) to the National Electricity Grid.  Granting a 99 year lease of the subsoil allows for the installation of a substation which is essential to supporting low carbon heat from the EC and achieve the network’s goal of decarbonizing the town’s energy supply. This is a key step in the project to reduce carbon emissions and provide cheaper heating options for the community.   Lease purpose:  Allowing the energy provider to utilise the land space on a 99 year lease and set up and provide electricity to the Hemiko Energy Centre to allow them to run the Low Carbon Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)    Community benefits (that applies to both sites as a whole) Once completed the network aims to provide cheaper  low carbon heating to residents and businesses with the pipeline installation in both locations being a crucial step in making this possible.   Project necessity (that applies to both sites as a whole) The Worthing Heat Network requires a network of underground pipes to distribute heat from its energy centre to connected buildings like the Town  Hall, the hospital and the Pavilion Theatre.   None.

Date of Decision: October 23, 2025