Controversial plans for a gas power plant in Midsomer Norton have been put on hold after a petition was signed by nearly 1,800 people.

The decision at Bath and North East Somerset Council to green-light Conrad Energy’s development sparked outcry from opposition members and the Liberal Democrat administration alike. 

Despite dozens of local objections, the plans were approved in May without being discussed at a planning meeting or a vote being cast.  Local campaigners from Extinction Rebellion set up the petition, which also reportedly had support from the Duchy of Cornwall. They lobbied both Midsomer Norton and Radstock Town Council, asking for their support against the proposals – leading to both parishes calling for scrutiny over the process.

“We are over the moon,” said Christine Brittijn, local resident. “Along with Extinction Rebellion, we have been campaigning hard since October and our petition has raised 1,800 signatures. We accept the need for energy solutions, but there is no place now for fossil fuels when there are other greener alternatives such as battery storage. Thank you Conrad Energy for listening to us locals!”

Abi Nimmo, another local resident, said: “It’s been a huge eye-opener working on a campaign like this and seeing what can be done in such a short time, and I have to say a big thank you to Extinction Rebellion, who worked incredibly hard. They were not at all as some people might imagine them to be. I’m certain we got here thanks to their selfless support and determination.

“I’d also like to thank Bath and North East Somerset Council who have been negotiating with Conrad Energy. The power station would have had a disastrous effect on their aim to get to carbon zero by 2030 so this is good news for them, too. And of course it’s great news for the planet!”

Ros Pears of Extinction Rebellion said: “It seems that energy companies are realising they need to invest in the new technologies now available. The days of oil and gas are over and we’re all delighted Conrad Energy are embracing a green future.”

Luisa Kozlowski of Midsomer Norton said: “I’ve got two young children and one on the way and I can’t tell you how relieved I am to hear this news.”

Cabinet members promised a review and are continuing to press for a greener solution after Conrad Energy agreed to put the development on hold until the spring. 

Councillor Sarah Warren, cabinet member for Climate Emergency, said: “I am delighted that Conrad is considering greener business models that will support us in reducing our carbon footprint, as part of our plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. 

“It is to the company’s huge credit that they are responding to local residents’ concerns about the impact of the proposed gas generator on both air quality and global heating.”

Conrad Energy said its project would “provide flexible power to balance the local electricity network”. It chose a site between the Midsomer Enterprise Park and Welton Primary School, prompting fears about the impact on children. 

Others were outraged that the Council had approved the fossil fuel-burning scheme when it had declared a Climate Emergency and promised to cut carbon emissions. 

Residents claimed the decision had slipped under the radar – permission was granted by an officer under delegated powers, rather than elected members.

The Lib-Dem administration said they had begun revising the Council’s planning policies to honour the Climate Emergency declaration, but in this case “the Council’s hands were tied”. 

They said the ward’s Conservative and Independent Councillors could have called the application in to the planning committee but “chose not to do so”. Tories dismissed that as “nonsense”, saying the Lib-Dems had had a year to act after they gained a majority. 

More than 1,700 people have since signed a petition urging Conrad Energy to rethink its plans and switch to a more sustainable, low carbon alternative. 

Talks are ongoing between it and the Council to see if a greener solution for the site might be possible. 

Chris Shears from Conrad Energy said: “Our business model is all about supporting the increase of renewable energy on the grid, whilst keeping the lights on, and we are very keen to support B&NES Council with its Climate Emergency and clean air objectives. 

“We have taken on board the feedback from Councillors and from local residents and will work in partnership with the community to develop a solution in Midsomer Norton that works for everybody.”