Local Groups Gather to Learn About Low Carbon Planning

A total of around 50 people gathered at two low carbon planning events in Newark and
Matlock earlier this month to learn more about how to bring community-owned renewable
to their area, as well as how to adapt to climate change. The event was organised by the
Centre for Sustainable Energy in partnership with Marches Energy Agency.

Members of local community groups gathered with local planners, local authority climate
change and energy officers and elected members to take part in a number of interactive
workshops, including a chance to explore the Plan Local Model –a four metre by one
metre fictional town with lots of environmentally friendly features.

(www.planlocal.org.uk/pages/the-model).

Comments from the day included:
• ‘Great range of speakers, topics, exercises and info-many thanks for such a rich
and enjoyable day. Keep up the good work!’ – Climate Change Officer, Local
Authority
• ‘A good balance of speakers and content. Would have taken months of research to
have achieved this myself.’ - Community Group Member
• ‘An excellent event, informative and participative and very enjoyable.’ – Community
group member

All community groups represented received a free Plan Local pack – a folder full of
practical exercises, information sheets and DVDs to help groups plan and launch a
community owned renewable. Any community group can download or order this pack for
free: www.planlocal.org.uk/downloads/group/the-planlocal-resource-pack.

Anyone who missed the events has the opportunity to attend the same event in Corby,
Northamptonshire on Friday 28th October or Leicester on Saturday 29th October. For more
information contact: kirsty.mitchell@cse.org.uk.