News

A path to a greener Claverdon

A path to a greener Claverdon

Issued by Claverdon Parish Council and CHARGE CIC

No. 1 September 2024

 

BACKGROUND

In 2019, our Neighbourhood Plan made clear the need for Claverdon to support renewable energy and mitigate the impact of climate change by becoming a carbon neutral parish, with solar energy identified as the likely route and where development proposals relating to the production of renewable energy will be supported where there are no significant adverse landscape or other visual impact.

To deliver this vision, the Parish Council has now set up CHARGE a Community Interest Company (CIC) as the vehicle to provide advice and funding and help the community utilise renewable energy and lower bills.

CHARGE CIC

  • Claverdon Harnessing Alternative Renewable Green Energy Community Interest Company (CHARGE CIC) is a newly formed group to assist and facilitate our community to transition away from fossil fuels. It seeks to help in three specific ways; a) Look for beneficial renewable energy generation opportunities, b) Support our community assets e.g. Church, School etc. transition to greener, more efficient energy solutions and c) Support parishioners to retrofit or build-in suitable renewable energy solutions.

The Parish Council is mandated to aim for ‘net zero’ but we must find achievable and affordable ways to do this. CHARGE CIC aims to help the community to work out a way forward.

YOUR COMMUNITY SOLAR

A potential solar farm in Claverdon could help fund Claverdon transition from oil and LPG to renewable energy. Under the powers bestowed to Claverdon Parish Council we shall therefore be undertaking a study to assess the feasibility of this and what financial benefits there would be for the community. The study will include identifying an appropriate site, along with several formal environmental, visual and planning assessments.

The results of the feasibility study will be shared openly and there will be opportunities for Parishioners to learn more, ask questions and provide input.

This is YOUR project, and the Parish Councillors are acting upon the stated objectives of our Neighbourhood Plan and residents’ interests to investigate the feasibility of parish based solar farm. In addition, the Parish Council and CHARGE CIC have the overarching objective of ensuring the project (if approved) delivers a substantial annual income with all profits being distributed across our Parish’s community to support renewable energy projects.

Claverdon Parish Council will be providing parishioners with regular updates, with further information available on the council website. Communication and full transparency will be fundamental to this consultation and community engagement paramount, so if you have any immediate questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Email. community.solar@claverdon-pc.gov.uk