PARISH councils in Freshford and Limpley Stoke have formally declared Climate and Nature Emergency resolutions.

The move is part of a joint project between Freshford and Limpley Stoke PCs which are considering the possibility of creating a Community Renewable Energy facility through Bath & West Community Energy.

Now residents are being asked to complete a short survey as part of a scoping study being undertaken by Bath & West Community Energy to identify possible sites for renewable energy locations.

In a statement, the parish councils said: “To move forwards to the next phase - a Feasibility Study which essentially builds the business case - it is important to have a clear understanding of the extent of community support. It is also important to understand and address any concerns.”

The councils are considering collaborating with (BWCE) to set up a solar power scheme and the scoping study will identify potential sites.

The councils say: “It would be very difficult to get planning permission for a wind power scheme given the local planning constraints and also would be very unlikely to obtain significant community agreement for due to visibility issues.

“The scoping study will identify potential sites which will be given careful consideration to ensure minimal impact, particularly visual impact.

“Outline plans for potential sites will be put to the community for consultation before they reach the planning application stage. This will ensure that everyone is aware of the potential solutions and can have an input on the future of our community.

“It is expected that a renewable energy facility will generate enough revenue to cover operational costs with profits invested in further community projects to promote sustainability.”

BWCE are a not-for-profit, community benefit society and operate across B&NES and parts of Wiltshire and South Gloucestershire.

The society have installed enough community owned renewable energy to match the annual demand from over 4,000 typical homes and have donated £290,000 from renewable projects to the independent BWCE Fund to support community projects that reduce carbon emissions and fuel poverty.

The short survey has only five questions and will provide an understanding of the degree of community support.

It is open to everyone in the local community to register their views, including all age groups.

To complete the survey click here.