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Wirral councillors have unanimously rejected a request from the developers of a controversial £5 billion carbon capture pipeline to access council-owned land for surveys. However, developers can access the land if needed.
A report to the committee before the meeting explained that if there is a refusal, "Peak Cluster will be in a position to authorise staff and contractors to access the land and if the council were to in any way impede access". However, they'd need a warrant from the magistrates' court.
Peak Cluster developers were seeking access to the landfor surveys, but at a meeting of Wirral Council's Policy and Resources committee on Wednesday evening, politicians from all parties voted against granting land access.
The Peak Cluster is a government-backed project that would see a major underground pipeline running across the Wirral.
The proposed pipeline would transport carbon dioxide from lime and cement manufacturing sites in Derbyshire and Staffordshire to be stored offshore under the Irish Sea.
As reported by Birkenhead News, Reform UK councillor Kathy Hodson chose not to participate in the vote, telling the meeting she had already made up her mind and "would be voting against it no matter what". She added that she would be willing to "lay in the mud naked" to prevent the land being dug up.
Labour councillor Mark Skillicorn said there had been significant anxiety among residents since the meeting papers were released. Councillors from the Liberal Democrats, Greens and Conservatives all spoke against both the request and the project itself.
Council leader Paula Basnett, who chaired the meeting, thanked residents for submitting their views on the Peak Cluster.
Green councillor Gail Jenkinson said after the meeting: "Having carefully considered the advice, we supported the decision not to grant Peak Cluster access to council-owned land for these surveys. Sadly, Peak Cluster is still likely to be able to proceed with them relatively quickly through other legal powers.
She continued, "But our opposition remains resolute. We do not support this pipeline or the construction of a huge Above Ground Installation here. We will continue the fight to protect Wirral, its residents and its environment."
