The Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the proposed Peak Cluster Pipeline, a major carbon capture project. The committee noted changes to the planning regime for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, the proposed pipeline's route through Staffordshire and neighbouring areas, and the council's governance arrangements for responding to consultations.

Peak Cluster Pipeline

The committee reviewed the proposed Peak Cluster Pipeline, a significant carbon capture and storage project that will extract emissions from local cement plants, including the Cauldon Cement Plant, and transport them via a new pipeline across Staffordshire to the coast for seabed storage. While the final planning decision rests with the government, Staffordshire County Council is a statutory consultee, making its input crucial. The meeting focused on reviewing the council's internal governance arrangements to ensure an effective response to consultations, thereby protecting residents, the economy, and the environment.

The Peak Cluster Pipeline is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) due to its considerable length, estimated at 121 miles and approximately one metre in diameter. The project involves new technologies to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from cement and lime production sites in Staffordshire and Derbyshire, transporting it through a pipeline across Cheshire to the Wirral, and then storing it under the Irish Sea.

Concerns were raised by local councillors representing the Staffordshire Moorlands area, where the pipeline is proposed to run. Landowners expressed worries about potential damage to crops, devaluation of land and homes, and safety concerns regarding pipe ruptures. Residents near Rudyard Lake and Tittesworth Reservoir are seeking assurances that water sources will not be contaminated. Councillor Gary Hayles suggested exploring the use of existing railway lines to transport CO2, which he believes would be less disruptive than pipeline construction. Councillor Mike Broom highlighted the need for comprehensive environmental impact assessments, considering cumulative effects across the project's entire lifecycle.

Officers explained that the project is in its early stages, with Phase 1 consultation having focused on the project's scope. Phase 2 consultation, to be conducted by the project promoters, Peak Cluster, later in the year, is expected to provide more detail. The council's role as a statutory consultee involves providing technical feedback, while local members will offer their own consultation feedback. The committee was informed about changes to the national planning process under the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, which aim to streamline infrastructure planning and reduce legal challenges. However, these changes may limit the ability of local authorities to challenge proposals.

The council's governance arrangements for responding to the pipeline proposal will involve a dedicated pipeline consultation response group (PCRG), comprising representatives from planning, legal, communications, economic policy, and member services. This group will meet regularly to coordinate activity and formulate responses. Significant consultation responses, such as Local Impact Reports, will be presented to the County Council Planning Committee.

The committee resolved to:

• Note the changes to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project planning regime and their application to the Peak Cluster Pipeline.
• Note the geographical areas where the proposed pipeline will be routed.
• Consider the proposed governance arrangements for the County Council's response as a statutory consultee.
• Request that the Full Council consider a report on the Peak Cluster Pipeline at a future date.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking attendees and noting that the debate on the Peak Cluster Pipeline would be pushed towards a full council debate.