Eastleigh Borough Council’s sprawling One Horton Heath development has hit another snag: a £2.8 million heat pump network is under fire for its long-term viability. The system, serving 381 homes in Lower Acre, has drawn sharp criticism from councillors and independent members over fears the council lacks the expertise to manage it.
Stefan Hargrave, the council’s independent finance member, delivered a blunt assessment during Monday’s audit and resources committee meeting. Appearing via video link, he told councillors, “I don’t have any confidence that we have the skills in-house to run these schemes.” His concerns center on whether the council can maintain the heat network once it’s operational, despite assurances from Ali Mew, the council’s head of property, who claimed multiple departments were prepared to oversee the project.
Key Points
- ⚠️ Stefan Hargrave warns council lacks skills to manage £2.8m heat network
- 🏠 381 properties in Lower Acre rely on the new system
- ⏳ Heat pumps have 25-year lifespan but only a 2-year warranty
Hargrave’s doubts were echoed by independent councillor Gin Tidridge, who represents Bishopstoke. She highlighted a critical flaw in the system’s warranty, which expires after just two years despite the pumps’ 25-year lifespan. “As the warranty is not 25 years, then the council is at risk, isn’t it?” she asked, pointing to potential financial exposure if the system fails. Mew confirmed the short warranty period, adding that the council would bear the cost of any replacements.
Liberal Democrat councillor Bruce Tennent, representing West End North, demanded more transparency. “Councillors need to know more about this,” he said. “We’ve 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.” His comments underscore growing unease among elected members about the project’s management.
📋 By The Numbers
- £504 million — Total cost of the One Horton Heath development
- 25 years — Expected lifespan of the heat pumps
- 2 years — Warranty period for the heat pumps
The heat network is not the first setback for One Horton Heath. In September, the council pushed back the first residents’ move-in date, citing an “infrastructure-first” approach. Hamble Valley MP Paul Holmes labeled the delay a “never-ending farce,” adding pressure to a project already beset by delays. The latest controversy arrives as residents in Lower Acre prepare to pay access charges to the council alongside their energy bills, further complicating the scheme’s viability.
💡 Pro Tip
Councils investing in large-scale infrastructure should prioritize long-term maintenance contracts over short-term cost savings to avoid financial and operational pitfalls.
Cllr Tidridge has urged cabinet members to conduct a thorough review before approving the charging scheme, which will be decided on Thursday. Her call reflects broader skepticism about whether the council can deliver on its ambitious plans without repeating past mistakes. As the debate intensifies, the fate of the heat network—and the reputation of One Horton Heath—hangs in the balance.
| Concern | Councillor’s View | Council’s Response |
|---|---|---|
| Operational capability | “No confidence in in-house skills” — Stefan Hargrave | Multiple departments ready to manage the system — Ali Mew |
| Warranty risk | “Council is at financial risk” — Gin Tidridge | Confirmed 2-year warranty, council bears replacement costs — Ali Mew |
| Transparency | “Need more information before approval” — Bruce Tennent | Demanded by councillors, under review — cabinet |