Agenda item

To receive an update on Peak Cluster.

The Committee considered a report providing an update on the Peak Cluster project, a nationally significant infrastructure proposal to capture carbon dioxide emissions from cement and lime production in Derbyshire and Staffordshire and transport them via pipeline for permanent storage beneath the Irish Sea. It was noted that the project would be progressed through the Development Consent Order process and that Cheshire East Council’s role would be as a host authority and statutory consultee. Members were advised that a potential pipeline route would cross Cheshire East, with the final route and locations of above-ground installations yet to be confirmed and subject to further consultation.

Councillor L Smetham addressed the Committee as a visiting Member and asked what the financial benefit of the programme would be to Cheshire East.

Councillor K Edwards addressed the Committee as a visiting Member and welcomed the report. Cllr Edwards highlighted the potential impact on Bollington, and that whist Cheshire East was not the decision-maker of this programme, it had significant responsibilities in relation to consultation and absorbing residents views and assessing the long-term gain. Cllr Edwards spoke in relation to safety and environmental issues and urged the Committee to ensure that full communication and consultation would be carried out.

Councillor Corcoran addressed the Committee as a visiting Member and spoke in support of the report. Cllr Corcoran highlighted climate change as a key challenge and emphasised the importance of using a range of methods to reduce carbon emissions. Councillor Corcoran explained that the proposed carbon capture and storage pipeline would transport captured carbon dioxide and store it safely beneath the Irish Sea, helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint across Cheshire. He noted that he was not aware of any viable alternative solutions currently available and described the project as innovative. Councillor Corcoran also highlighted the potential spin?out benefits for local businesses, which could connect to the pipeline infrastructure to capture and transport their carbon dioxide emissions. Councillor Corcoran queried the next steps if the recommendations were approved.

An amendment was proposed, seconded, and subsequently lost following a debate and vote, as set out below:

3. Note that a further report will be presented to Full Council for full debate to form part of the next consultation, and the report will identify the impacts and benefits to enable a consultation response reflecting the Council’s position to be submitted.

Members raised concerns regarding the Phase 1 consultation and the quality of engagement undertaken. Officers confirmed that the Council was a statutory consultee and advised that feedback on the consultation, including concerns raised by Members, would be formally provided to Government and shared with the Peak Cluster project team.

Members queried the potential costs to the Council arising from the project, including officer time and resources associated with preparing and submitting plans and responses to the Planning Inspectorate. Members asked that these costs could be worked up in more detail. Officers advised that an economic impact assessment had not yet been undertaken. It was noted that the project was intended to support and sustain existing industries, and that the extent to which economic benefits would flow into the Cheshire East boundary would need to be worked through further, including how this aligned with key sectors driving the project.

RESOLVED (by majority):

1.    Note the information on the government’s Peak Cluster infrastructure project.

2.    Authorise Officers to seek the feedback of members and Town & Parish Councils, and to carry out further investigatory assessment and analysis on the:

a. Proposed route

b. Negative impacts on Cheshire East including Environmental impact. c. Location and impact of Above Ground Installations (AGIs)

d. Benefits during construction and operational phases

e. Health & Safety concerns

3.    Note that a further report will be presented to Cabinet to form part of the next consultation, and the report will identify the impacts and benefits to enable a consultation response reflecting the Council’s position to be submitted.