CEC to boost carbon emission reduction at Leighton Grange

Cheshire East Council has agreed initial steps to boost carbon emission reduction at Leighton Grange near Crewe.

Councillors in the Cabinet have agreed the council can press ahead with its goal to install solar panels to provide energy to the composting plant at the site, along with initiating a tree planting scheme.

The proposal is still subject to securing appropriate permissions and connections.

Approval allows the council to take the plans forward, including securing a contractor for the design, build and initial operation of the solar panel array.

Cheshire East Council is aiming to become carbon neutral by 2025.

It has agreed a carbon neutral action plan and environment strategy to remain a green and sustainable place.

The authority is working with partners and communities to identify ways to reduce emissions and produce sustainable energy.

Cllr Nick Mannion, cabinet member with responsibility for environment and regeneration, said: “I’m delighted this scheme has been approved by cabinet, which would make a significant impact on the council’s carbon reduction ambitions.

“The project approved yesterday includes the proposed installation of solar panels to supply green electricity to the compost plant at the site, helping the council to achieve up to 26% of our target to reduce carbon emissions through the use of sustainable energy.

“Alongside this, a tree planting scheme is expected to provide a significant amount of the carbon capture required by the council, helping to offset the emissions we produce as a council that can’t be reduced to zero. And of course, trees provide a range of other benefits to the natural environment.

“The proposed plans for Leighton Grange will really help us to move forward with our ambitious carbon reduction programme – helping to ensure we can all benefit from a cleaner, greener, more sustainable borough in the future.”

The cabinet report for Leighton Grange, Crewe, can be viewed here.

The environment strategy and carbon action plan can be viewed here.

(Library image for display purposes only)