COUNCILLORS next week will consider community visions for a proposed geological disposal facility (GDF) at a meeting in Whitehaven next week.
Members of Cumberland Council’s nuclear issues board are due to meet at The Copeland Centre on Monday (September 22) to consider the report – The Mid Copeland and South Copeland Community Partnership’s Community Visions.
According to the report a community vision is a shared statement of aspirations and priorities developed by the GDF community partnerships with local communities.
It states: “It reflects what they value most and what they want their area to look like in the years ahead. In the context of the GDF programme, these visions are essential because they provide the foundation for planning long-term benefits and ensuring that any development associated with a GDF aligns with their priorities.
“For a community that is ultimately selected to host a GDF, the Government will provide significant additional investment, bringing community benefits and a lasting positive legacy to the community and area.
“This investment would be brought to life and shaped by the community vision, and could include investments to deliver social, economic, environmental or other benefits.
“These could include improved local education and skills capacity, improved transport infrastructure or improved recreational facilities.”
Under advice of Cumberland Council officials, Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) recommends that Cumberland Council considers:
- Noting the community visions developed by the Mid and South Copeland Community Partnerships;
- Acknowledging their alignment with Cumberland Council’s strategic priorities;
- Recognising these visions as the foundation for future development of a potential significant additional investment package.
The report states: “A community that receives significant additional investment could expect to benefit from a transformational investment in their area, potentially over many years.
“The investment will be additional to the Community Investment Funding and Engagement Funding provided during the siting process.
“We’re looking forward to working together with Cumberland Council, to make sure that the significant additional investment reflects the community vision, and Cumberland Council’s own strategic priorities, making community aspiration a reality for future generations.”
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