Liberal Democrats in B&NES are supporting the loan of £500,000 to Bath and West Community Energy for the Wilmington Farm solar energy scheme.
The decision to go ahead with the loan was taken by the Liberal Democrat administration of B&NES Council earlier this month but has now been challenged by opposition Councillors.
Councillor David Bellotti (Liberal Democrat, Lyncombe ward) is the Cabinet member for Community Resources, who signed off the original decision.
David commented: “The ‘Green Investment and Jobs Fund’ that we set up in February has two goals.
“One is to further Council environmental policy objectives whilst producing income; the other is to help create jobs for local residents in green industries.
“The solar scheme is an opportunity for us to directly support the development of renewable energy sources locally, whilst yielding a return on investment for the Council.
“The return is expected to be 6.5%, less the Council’s own borrowing costs. Safeguards for the Council’s funds are clearly written into the decision paper and the loan is agreed ‘in principle’, ‘subject to due diligence’.
“The solar scheme investment is £500,000, which is half of the fund. We will be bringing forward proposals for the other half in due course, but these are likely to be specifically aimed at growing green jobs.”
The Council’s Member Champion for Energy and Climate Change, Councillor David Martin (Liberal Democrat, Bathwick), added: “The proposed loan to this solar farm array is being made to support the development of renewable energy in the area, which forms a key policy objective of the Council.
“The project would provide sufficient electricity to power over 600 homes, and help to meet our Core Strategy targets, as well as promoting community participation.
“It’s interesting to note that the same sum invested in domestic solar panels would only power 200 homes, due to economies of scale.”
Liberal Democrat Campaigner, William Hobhouse, who has asked to address to the call-in Committee, said: “I am saddened by this Conservative attempt to scupper renewable energy in North East Somerset.
“They seem determined to pave the way for fracking by trying to wreck attempts to develop sustainable energy for our area. I see fracking as a last resort not a first choice.
“With well over half our electricity being generated by fossil fuels at the moment, we need new investment in renewable energy – which is exactly what this proposal does.”
