Community agree to look for community energy solutions

January 27

The Eden Project and its Neighbours’ Forum have agreed to join together to explore the opportunities for a community-scale sustainable energy plan.

They hope to develop a sustainable energy strategy for the whole community which will achieve both energy security and a massive reduction in dependence on fossil fuels.

The agreement was reached after prolonged and positive discussions between Eden and representatives of the Forum.

Last year Eden submitted a planning application for a single, 127-metre turbine at its site near St Austell, Cornwall.

Restormel Borough Council was due to consider the plan on Thursday (January 29) but in the light of this agreement, which has far wider ambitions, Eden has now decided to withdraw the current application and review its plans.

Eden’s chief executive Tim Smit said of the agreement: “If we can make this work, we hope that the model can be replicated elsewhere. A wider group from the community will need to be engaged in order to make it happen.”

Ron Shapland, chairman of the Neighbours’ Forum, said: “We welcome Eden’s decision to withdraw the application and look forward to further discussions around how, together; Eden and the neighbouring community can explore an energy solution to benefit everyone.”