Issue - meetings

Visiting Member Councillor Bunney, Chairman of the Environment and Sustainability Working Group, introduced the report and outlined the proposed policy framework for securing community benefit contributions from large scale renewable energy developments. It was emphasised that the policy sat outside the planning process and sought to provide a consistent approach to negotiating benefits for local communities hosting such developments.

Visiting Member Councillor Barrett also addressed the Committee and shared experience of similar community benefit arrangements operated elsewhere. Reference was made to the administration and distribution of funding, including the potential role of parish councils and community representatives in determining local priorities.

The Chairman read a statement submitted by Councillor Bailey, who had submitted her apologies for being unable to attend in person. In her statement, Councillor Bailey welcomed the proposed policy, thanked officers and Members involved in its development, and highlighted the importance of securing social value benefits, including support for local businesses, apprenticeships, skills development and community sustainability.

During the debate, a Member of the Committee expressed support for the policy and thanked officers and Members of the Environment and Sustainability Working Group for their work in developing the proposal. Reference was made to the absence of mandatory community benefit requirements for large scale solar developments and the opportunities the policy presented to secure social value and community benefits for affected areas. The Member also highlighted the example provided by similar arrangements adopted by other authorities.

With no further comments, and having been proposed, seconded, and voted upon, it was unanimously

RESOLVED that

a)    the Large Scale Renewable Energy Community Benefit Policy as set out at Appendix B be adopted; and

b)    authority for minor amendments to the policy be delegated to the Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities, in consultation with the Chairman of the Thriving Places Committee; and

c)    the Government's intention to introduce mandatory community benefit requirements through primary legislation, expected to come into force by the end of 2027 at the earliest, be noted, and that this policy positions the Council to negotiate effectively in the interim period; and

d)    the financial implications arising from the potential scale of Community Benefit Fund income be noted; and officers explore appropriate fund governance arrangements, be that via a Special Purpose Vehicle, Community Investment Company or other entity.