GSX Newsletter March 2021

Shrewsbury North West (relief) Road The planning application is now on the Council website, Planning (No 21/00924/EIA) Objections and comments must be in by 27th April. The Better Transport alliance has detailed information, including videos, on its website, on why this road is not the best option. (bettershrewsburytransport.org) GSX supports the alliance and the objections to building the road. should be giving full consideration to sustainable modes of transport which will have benefits for all across Shropshire. This road will damage the green wedge north of Shrewsbury, affecting the wildlife and character of the area. This will also open farmland to future development. There will be a minimal reduction to town centre traffic and some local roads such as Berwick Road are predicted by the Council to have an increase in traffic. Herefordshire Council has now cancelled its plans for a bypass and supports alternatives. The councils have agreed to take action on climate change and building this new road will increase carbon emissions during the construction and operation of the road.

New Solar Farms & Wrekin Council has granted permission for a solar farm near Roden, which will power the equivalent of some 15,000 homes. (Solar Energy | Myttons Solar Farm | ) Shropshire Council is planning a solar farm near Maesbury Road, , to supply power for local businesses. (likely 2MW, equivalent to powering some 1,000 homes Solar farm coming to Oswestry to power local businesses - Shropshire Council Newsroom) There is scope for more renewable energy generation across Shropshire which will help to reach the Net Zero carbon target. Another scheme coming forward is at Bubney Farm, Grindley Brook, near Whitchurch, potentially having a generating capacity of up to 30MW (Bubney Solar Farm | Grindley Brook) and in Telford at New Works possibly up to 21MW (New Works Solar Farm - Cleaner and Sustainable Energy (green-future.energy)).

Climate Change Champions Telford & Wrekin Council is looking for Borough residents to start talking about Climate Change & Sustainability and to take action. You don't need to be a Climate Change and Sustainability expert. Climate Change Champions are everyday people who want to help share important messages, support local projects and encourage others to get involved and help make a change. We can't stop climate change, but working together we can prevent it getting much worse. For more information visit http://www.sustainabletelfordandwrekin.co.uk/get-involved/climate- change-champions

Telford & Wrekin Council launches its Climate Change Fund Grants of up to £5k are available to local organisations with a green idea to help reduce their carbon footprint. The Climate Change Fund is offered by the Council as part of its commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030, with the aspiration for the borough to be carbon neutral by then too. Applications are welcome from parish and town councils, small businesses, community groups, friends groups, faith groups, schools and nurseries for a range of carbon reducing ideas. Deadline for applications is noon on 19 April 2021. If you know an organisation that would be interested in the grant, please spread the word. For Full details and to apply

Shropshire Climate Action Partnership SCAP continues its wide ranging activities at pace. To receive the newsletter please sign up at the website Zero Carbon Shropshire | A community response to the climate and ecological crisis or check News | Zero Carbon Shropshire . It has just launched ‘Seeking Quotations and Partners for Energy Mapping Phase 1’ which looks for ‘assistance to develop a county wide renewable energy opportunities map in an agreed GIS format. The purpose of the Map is to identify potential, to provide an information source for public and private sector stakeholders and to inform planning decisions to assist the achievement of net zero carbon Shropshire by 2030.’ Various projects are coming forward including Festival of Nature and to increase demand for and access to locally sourced seasonal food.

Rob Saunders Chair GSX