Issue - meetings

Cabinet considered a report which sought approval to progress the Crewe Deep Geothermal Energy Project.

Geothermal energy was widely regarded as a sustainable, renewable and reliable source of heat and energy, with little or no visual, noise or air quality impact once in place.

The Cheshire Basin had been identified as one of only six places in the UK with the potential to supply heat and electricity from geothermal resources.  A potential site on Council-owned land had bee identified at Leighton West.  This site had been identified in the Local Plan Development Strategy as a potential site for geothermal exploration. 

The first stage of the project would undertake a feasibility study to test the overall benefits/risks of the opportunity and in particular carry out a site investigation and assess whether any planning and site specific or environmental health constraints might affect delivery and scope out the delivery which would be of optimum benefit to the Council and the local community.

RESOLVED:  That

1          the Leighton West site be the preferred site;

2          it be noted that a viability study will carry out a site investigation and assess whether any planning and site specific or environmental health constraints might affect delivery and to include consideration of the pros and cons of this form of energy; the work to be funded by virement of existing budget; and

3          the decision on the route delivery be delegated to the Portfolio Holder, Chief Executive and Director for Economic Growth and Prosperity.