A LACK of capacity in Reading’s electricity grid means a new housing development will see fewer homes using greener heating methods.
Reading Borough Council has begun discussions with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) to work on a strategy to increase capacity, and at a recent meeting councillors discussed the problems this is causing.
Council leader Cllr Jason Brock (Labour, Southcote) said: “It’s something that’s been on the radar for a little while. It’s something that has caused us to bother with some of our own council developments, and there is clearly a systematic problem.”
The council had to reduce the number of homes at its North Street development from 41 to 37 to allow air-source heat pumps and solar panels to be added. It still aims to heat all 21 homes and a respite care facility for its development at Amethyst Lane using air-source heat pumps.
Cllr Brock said: “It does concern us that it might frustrate some of our ambitions as we progress towards net zero, particularly getting lower carbon forms of heating installed in some of the developments that are coming forward.”
One housing project that was singled out was the Emmer Green Drive development at the old Reading Golf Course site, where Vistry Group is building 223 homes.
An outline plan approved in March last year stipulated those homes be fitted with air-source heat pumps – but it will be 81 homes, as SSEN stated that it would be unable to provide the electricity required to power the pumps.
The reduction of the air-source heat pumps was approved along with other details in March this year.
Cllr Rob White (Green, Park) is the leader of the opposition on the council.
He said: “Unfortunately, all Labour councillors voted to go ahead with the scheme, despite 142 houses not being connected to air source heat pumps, therefore having to have gas boilers installed.
“It was only Labour councillors paralysed into inaction, not Greens, we voted against it.”
Cllr Brock responded: “This NIMBYish approach that you simply go for time and time again lets residents down and you know it, and you do it simply because you chase that NIMBY boat wherever possible.”
Cllr Clarence Mitchell, the leader of the Conservative group and ward member for Emmer Green, said: “Unlike both sides, we’re not seeking to politicise this any further – the decision has been taken regarding that particular development. It is frustrating not just to the developers but to the community, many of whom obviously opposed this development in the first place.
“We are endeavouring as ward councillors to build a constructive working relationship with both developers and the opposing groups. We would urge both council officers involved and SSEN to do all in their power, no pun intended, to make sure that this particular problem is overcome so that the development is at least as successful as it can be now that the decision has been taken.”
The debate about electricity capacity took place at the council’s policy committee meeting held on Monday, September 25, and came as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak walked back on some of the government’s own measures to reduce carbon emissions announced in September, include scrapping a government ban on the sale of gas boilers.
