MD Ian Bright was a guest speaker on 16th May at the RTPI SW Conference on Planning for Renewable Energy at Plymouth University. Ian was asked to share learning from the TRESOC experience of community energy and the planning system and spoke on “TRESOC and the Totnes Community Wind Farm: a case study” – RTPI TCWF RTPI Presentation
The event was well attended by planners from across the South West, including a strong contingent from South Hams District Council. It was encouraging to see planners engaging with the UK renewable energy agenda, although the outlook for large wind turbines in the planning system remains bleak. New guidance from the Dept. for Communities and Local Government on engaging with local communities in wind farm developments is expected soon. Meanwhile, TRESOC is concentrating on other, less contentious renewable energy technologies in solar and hydro for the 2014 Share Issue.
Ian says, “It was good to have the chance to tell our side of the TCWF story to SW planners, and to say what we did next. A good working relationship with local government is key to the success of community energy enterprises like TRESOC. Thanks also to the SHDC planners who gave me a lift home!”
