The next phase of a renewable energy project which could generate in excess of £100 million for taxpayers while reducing the city's carbon footprint has been given the green light.

Members of Peterborough City Council's Sustainable Growth and Environment Capital Scrutiny Committee met earlier this week and considered a request to call-in a decision taken by Cabinet in respect of the development of ground mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels (solar farms) and wind turbines.

The decision made by Cabinet at its meeting on 5 November 2012 was to approve the submission of planning applications for the development of solar farms at three council-owned agricultural sites at America Farm and Morris Fen in Thorney and at farmland at Newborough. Cabinet also approved the launch of a public consultation and it was agreed a further report will be brought back to Cabinet prior to the submission of planning applications for wind turbines in 2013.

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The scrutiny committee voted to reject the call-in and as a result the decision taken by Cabinet at the meeting on 5th November 2012 now stands.

Councillor Marco Cereste, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: "I am pleased that the scrutiny committee has found the decision taken by Cabinet to be sound.

"This project will generate significant amounts of renewable energy that we can use to safeguard our budgets against rising and uncertain energy prices. The energy could be sold to generate income in order to help close the council's funding gap and ensure that we can continue to provide the services that our residents need and expect."

(CD)