19/09/2026
🩵 Unanimous backing for Community Benefit Policy Led by Reform UK
👉 Bassetlaw District Council has unanimously approved the motion to develop a Large-Scale Energy Infrastructure Community Benefit Policy.
📍 Councillors from across the chamber supported the motion following constructive amendments that made the original proposal more specific to Bassetlaw and the unprecedented concentration of energy infrastructure facing our district. The motion was supported by all political parties carrying 35 votes.
The motion was proposed by Cllr Simon Richardson & Seconded by Cllr Warren Limber.
👉 Cllr Simon Richardson said:
“This unanimous decision sends a powerful and united message: if Bassetlaw is expected to host nationally significant energy infrastructure, the communities carrying the greatest impact must receive a fair and lasting share of the benefits.
“Residents see solar farms, battery storage facilities and major grid infrastructure being proposed around their villages. They should not be expected to carry the consequences while the economic benefits disappear elsewhere.
“I welcomed the constructive amendments, which strengthened the original motion by tailoring it to Bassetlaw’s unique geography while preserving its central purpose—securing meaningful benefits for the communities most directly affected.”
The approved motion asks the Council to develop a locally distinctive policy covering large-scale energy developments, battery storage and grid infrastructure. It will consider fair and transparent funding arrangements, meaningful involvement for affected communities and technology-specific, index-linked community-benefit benchmarks.
The policy will remain legally separate from the planning process and will not influence the determination of individual planning applications.
Cllr Richardson added:
“This was not about Net Zero or opposing every form of energy development. It was about standing up for Bassetlaw and ensuring that national infrastructure delivers genuine local value. My view
“I thank every councillor who supported the motion. The unanimous vote gives the Council a strong mandate to act—and to make sure Bassetlaw’s communities are no longer treated simply as somewhere to build.”
“Regardless of the proposed community benefit policy, our own core Reform policy to completely scrap the UK's legally binding net-zero targets and revoke related legislation to lower household and industrial energy bills remain.”
The draft policy will now be progressed through the Council’s formal decision-making process, with consultation involving affected communities, town and parish councils, neighbouring authorities and developers.
Reform UK Nottinghamshire County CouncilBassetlaw Reform UKCouncillor Warren LimberReform UK Greater LincolnshireThe Reform DailyNewark Reform UKBassetlaw District Council
