• Business
  • Community
  • Crime
  • Education
  • Health
  • Politics
  • What’s On
  • Traffic & Travel
  • Weather
Bath Echo
  • Sunday 22nd June 2025
  • Subscribe
  • Opinion
  • Reviews
  • Letters
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Latest Issue
  • Jobs
  • Awards
Bath Echo

Bath, GB

  • Business
  • Community
  • Crime
  • Education
  • Health
  • Politics
  • What’s On
  • Traffic & Travel
  • Weather
Home
News Headlines
Business

Plans for controversial gas generator in Midsomer Norton put on hold

Friday 27th November 2020 Local Democracy Reporter Business, Politics

Share
Tweet
WhatsApp
Pin
Share

Controversial plans for a gas power plant in Midsomer Norton have been put on hold after 1,700 people signed a petition.

The site of the proposed power plant | Image © Google 2020

The decision at Bath and North East Somerset Council to green-light Conrad Energy’s development sparked outcry from opposition members and the Liberal Democrat administration alike.

Despite dozens of local objections, the plans were approved in May without being discussed at a planning meeting or a vote being cast.

Cabinet members promised a review and are continuing to press for a greener solution after Conrad Energy agreed to put the development on hold until the spring.

Councillor Sarah Warren, cabinet member for climate emergency, said: “I am delighted that Conrad is considering greener business models that will support us in reducing our carbon footprint, as part of our plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2030.

“It is to the company’s huge credit that they are responding to local residents’ concerns about the impact of the proposed gas generator on both air quality and global heating.”

Conrad Energy said its project would “provide flexible power to balance the local electricity network”. It chose a site between the Midsomer Enterprise Park and Welton Primary School, prompting fears about the impact on children.

Others were outraged that the council had approved the fossil fuel-burning scheme when it had declared a climate emergency and promised to cut carbon emissions.

Residents claimed the decision had slipped under the radar – permission was granted by an officer under delegated powers rather than elected members.

The Lib Dem administration said they had begun revising the council’s planning policies to honour the climate emergency declaration, but in this case “the council’s hands were tied”.

They said the ward’s Conservative and Independent councillors could have called the application in to the planning committee but “chose not to do so”. Tories dismissed that as “nonsense”, saying the Lib Dems had had a year to act after they gained a majority.

More than 1,700 people have since signed a petition urging Conrad Energy to rethink its plans and switch to a more sustainable, low carbon alternative.

Talks are ongoing between it and the council to see if a greener solution for the site might be possible.

Chris Shears from Conrad Energy said: “Our business model is all about supporting the increase of renewable energy on the grid, whilst keeping the lights on, and we are very keen to support B&NES Council with its climate emergency and clean air objectives.

“We have taken on board the feedback from councillors and from local residents and will work in partnership with the community to develop a solution in Midsomer Norton that works for everybody.”

Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporter

Share
Tweet
WhatsApp
Pin
Share
Next article Counter Terrorism Policing launch new safeguarding website and advice line
Previous article Residents invited to donate trees as part of efforts to protect environment

Related Stories

Bath respite service to stay open until at least September 2026
Friday 20th June 2025

Bath respite service to stay open until at least September 2026

Dismissed police officer now standing as Reform UK candidate
Friday 20th June 2025

Dismissed police officer now standing as Reform UK candidate

Residents invited to have say on plans for new Fashion Museum
Thursday 19th June 2025

Residents invited to have say on plans for new Fashion Museum

...
Followers
Follow
...
Followers
Follow
...
Followers
Follow

Top Stories

Twerton Flower Show revived after a century thanks to grant

Twerton Flower Show revived after a century thanks to grant

Friday 20th June 2025
Bath respite service to stay open until at least September 2026

Bath respite service to stay open until at least September 2026

Friday 20th June 2025
Leap of Faith event at Bath Abbey raises more than £30,000

Leap of Faith event at Bath Abbey raises more than £30,000

Friday 20th June 2025
Dismissed police officer now standing as Reform UK candidate

Dismissed police officer now standing as Reform UK candidate

Friday 20th June 2025
Weston care home holds special event for dementia residents

Weston care home holds special event for dementia residents

Friday 20th June 2025
  • Business
  • Community
  • Crime
  • Education
  • Health
  • Politics
  • What’s On
  • Traffic & Travel
  • Weather
  • Back to top
Created by Media Bath - Regulated by IMPRESS

About the Bath Echo | Your City, Your News

We're your local independent newspaper covering news and events across beautiful Bath and the close surrounding villages. We're here to help keep Bathonians in the know about what's going on in their city.

Useful Info

  • House Rules
  • Cookie Policy
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Complaints Policy
  • Social Media Policy
© Bath Echo 2025. All rights reserved.
Produced by Media Bath Limited