A new report brings together the findings from community workshops, surveys and events exploring opportunities for community-owned renewable energy in Peasedown, Wellow and Shoscombe.
The Peasedown, Wellow and Shoscombe Community Energy Conversation report, prepared by the Centre for Sustainable Energy on behalf of the Community Energy Network, summarises the views, ideas and concerns shared by local residents throughout the engagement process.
The work builds on conversations that began in Peasedown and Wellow in 2022 and continued through the Energy in Your Community project, which expanded to include Shoscombe in 2025.
What did residents tell us?
Throughout the process, residents have explored opportunities for community-owned wind and solar energy, considered potential locations and discussed how any future project could benefit local people.
The 2026 community energy survey received 237 responses. Of those responding, 51% supported further conversations about a possible community energy project, 29% did not and 18% said maybe.
Feedback also highlighted important concerns about protecting the local landscape, wildlife, heritage, the impact on nearby homes and whether potential projects would be technically and financially viable.
These views, alongside technical assessments, helped inform which locations could be considered for further investigation.
No decision has been made to develop a renewable energy project. Any proposal would require further technical and environmental assessments, community engagement and the necessary planning permissions.
What happens next?
The next stage is for a local community working group to consider whether any opportunities should be explored further.
Bath & West Community Energy will support the group as it reviews the findings and considers potential next steps. These could include further feasibility work, discussions with landowners and exploring how a community energy project might deliver benefits for local people.
The expression of interest period for joining the working group closed on 21 October and a first meeting is being planned for later this year. Further updates on the group's progress will be shared as information becomes available.
Read the full report
The report brings together the findings from the community engagement process, including the workshops, surveys, feedback on potential locations and pre-feasibility assessments.
Read the full Community Energy Conversation report prepared by the Centre for Sustainable Energy.
Thank you to everyone who has taken part and shared their views throughout the process. Your contributions have helped build a clearer picture of local priorities and what would need to be considered before any community energy project could progress.
