Over 30 representatives of Town and Parish Councils, Neighbourhood planning groups and other interested individuals attended a seminar to learn more about the potential benefits of renewable energy to their communities. The free half-day seminar received presentations from Dorset County Council, Good Energy, RegenSW and local company Community Heat and Power.
Renewable technologies can benefit community buildings or schools by providing an income through incentive schemes and cheaper energy. Also, by raising finance locally investors can contribute to the development of their assets whilst getting a good return on their money.
Paul McIntosh, Sustainability Officer for North Dorset District Council who organised the event said
“We had a packed room at the Springhead Trust today which shows the amount of interest there is impartial information in this developing area. The District Council is keen to support projects which are community led and where the benefits, social, environmental and economic are retained locally”
“I would like to thank both those who attended and those who presented for what was a very energising day. We choose the Springhead Trust as a venue due to their commitment to Sustainability and a planned project to install ground mounted PV and Micro Hydro renewable energy systems – the finance they hope to raise from the local community”
Delegates learnt about how communities can also negotiate with developers to maximise benefits for the community.
For more information and presentations from the day please contact Paul McIntosh, Sustainability Officer at North Dorset District Council on 01258 484019.
