Neston Community Energy (NCE) recently submitted responses to the Draft Local Plan consultation, with a particular focus on energy and sustainability policies. While the plan addresses important issues around the future of energy supply, NCE believes that several proposals need to be stronger and more ambitious if we are to meet climate goals while protecting local land and communities.
Below is a summary of our key points:
Question EN 1 – Energy Supplies and Energy-Related Developments
NCE cannot support the current policy as written as it leaves the door open for development on high-quality agricultural land and green belt land for solar farms. The policy should explicitly rule such developments out.
We also recommend that a clear point be added to ban fracking under any circumstances.
Question EN 4 – Solar Energy
Once again, we find the policy wording insufficient and may still allow solar development on high-quality agricultural and green belt land. These protections must be made explicit and unambiguous.
Question EN 5 – Sustainable Energy and Heat
Aspects of this policy appear to allow continued use of fossil fuels. This is not acceptable. Fossil fuels should be ruled out completely within the plan.
Additionally, NCE strongly recommends that all new developments should be required to include solar panels on roofs as a standard measure.
Question EN 6 – Low Carbon Fuel and Carbon Capture
NCE does not support reliance on hydrogen production or carbon capture. At present, both are unproven at scale, costly, and energy-inefficient. The Local Plan should avoid locking the community into such speculative technologies.
Looking Ahead – A Local Area Energy Plan (LEAP)
Finally, NCE believes the council should establish a Local Area Energy Plan (LEAP) to guide energy strategy in a way that reflects local needs and priorities. Community energy groups such as ours must be part of this process, and we would welcome the opportunity to contribute directly to decision-making.
The Draft Local Plan is a vital opportunity to shape a fair, sustainable, and resilient energy future for our community. However, it must be more ambitious in ruling out harmful practices, protecting land, and requiring renewable measures such as solar on all new builds.
At Neston Community Energy, we are committed to working with local partners, residents, and decision-makers to ensure that our community leads the way in delivering sustainable energy solutions.
Robina Hetherington and Andy Mills
