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Search the Public Notice PortalA major housing development faces another hurdle as concerns surrounding a new £2.8million heat network mount.
One Horton Heath – which is costing Eastleigh Borough Council more than £504m – has been fitted with heat pumps that will serve some 381 properties in the Lower Acre.
Although work progresses on the delay-prone project, the latest development has sparked fears about the efficacy of the new addition.
Independent member for finances Stefan Hargrave said he has “no confidence” in the council running and maintaining the heating system.
This comes only six months after the development was hit with another setback.
In September, the council revealed the move-in date for the first One Horton Heath residents would be delayed as it took an “infrastructure-first” approach – a move that was branded a “never-ending farce” by Hamble Valley MP Paul Holmes.
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During the audit and resources committee meeting on Monday, March 16, Mr Hargrave raised his concerns about the heating system.
Appearing via a video link, Mr Hargrave told councillors: “I don’t have any confidence that we have the skills in-house to run these schemes.
“I am looking for a little comfort to show that we can run these energy schemes.”
Ali Mew, head of property at the council, said there are teams within several council departments that ensure the work will be done properly.
Mr Hargrave’s concerns were echoed by independent councillor Gin Tidridge, who represents Bishopstoke.
She said: “As the warranty is not 25 years then the council is at risk, isn’t it?”
The pumps have a 25-year lifespan but only a two-year warranty, Ms Mew confirmed.
Cllr Bruce Tennent, Liberal Democrat for West End North, said councillors needed more information on the new scheme.
He said: “Councillors need to know more about this. We have taken quite a few risks so far.
“I am frightened we can just wave this through without understanding it, and it can come back and bite us in the future.”
The heat pumps and associated replacement costs will be the responsibility of the council, the meeting heard.
Residents living in Lower Acre will pay an access charge to the council alongside their energy supplier.
Cllr Tidridge said: “I recommend that a more detailed piece of work is done on this scheme.”
This recommendation was made to cabinet members who will make a decision on the charging scheme on Thursday.
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