Leader of Peterborough City Council Councillor Marco Cereste attended a meeting of Newborough Parish Council to discuss a 25-year plan to deliver renewable energy which could generate in excess of £120 million for taxpayers and reduce the city's carbon footprint.

Councillor Cereste was asked to attend the meeting at Newborough Village Hall by Newborough Parish Council to talk to residents, farmers and other interested groups about the plans, which are currently at a very early stage.

At its meeting in July Cabinet approved the commencement of feasibility studies to initially assess whether the areas identified were suitable for the development of an energy park.

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At the meeting Councillor Cereste was able to update the audience following the conclusion of these studies. The audience heard that:

•Initial results of the feasibility studies show that only 900 out of the 3,000 acres and that only eight out of 22 farm tenants could potentially be affected.

•One-to-one meetings regarding compensation options with those tenants who could potentially be affected begin today (Tuesday 16 October).

•The initial feasibility studies will be presented to Cabinet on Monday 5 November and subject to approval, a week-long public consultation period will begin on Wednesday 7 November. Details will be announced closer to the time.

Councillor Cereste said: "These proposals have the potential to bring to the city over £120 million in net income over the next 25 years, helping us to support our growing and ageing population. This project also supports our aspiration to be the UK’s Environment Capital and demonstrates our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy."

(CD)