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Below is the response adopted by the Parish Council on the 9th September. This has been submitted to the consultation.
Boldre Parish Council’s Response to CO2 Pipeline Proposal Consultation
Boldre Parish Council have major concerns about the Carbon Capture and Storage scheme proposed for the Solent Area.
The context for the overall project is a plan to expand the use of fossil fuels in order to produce ‘Blue Hydrogen’ and to increase output of oil based fuels. The CCS scheme envisaged will not reduce atmospheric CO2 but merely provide cover for expanded activity at Exxon. As such it would divert resources from more beneficial activity.
We are worried that there has been so little exploration of the site for CO2 storage - in particular the capacity, security, accessibility and potential harm arising from the activity in a precious marine environment.
With regard to the transport of CO2 across the southern part of the New Forest, in particular the Boldre area, BPC has significant objections:
- The area has a range of special and protected features, within the National Park. The construction work would have devastating effects on the local environment and ecology. Some of these impacts, for example, on ‘Ancient Woodland’ cannot be measured. Experience of other constructions in the area indicate that efforts to ‘make good’ cannot avoid the permanent scarring that results.
- The anticipated three seasons of construction, with associated disruption and traffic, are likely to have a major impact on the experience of visitors to the area. The local economy would be hit hard.
- Pipeline safety would be a prime concern. The proposal is for a large, high pressure pipeline with associated pigging and monitoring stations. The pipeline consultants DNV have recognised that ‘arresting pipeline fractures in transporting CO2 has proven to be more challenging than transporting natural gas’. For a relatively new industry the number of pipeline CO2 escapes in the USA in the last decade is disturbing. The UK HSE has not classed CO2 as toxic, but it is reviewing the position. There is significant evidence that concentrations of CO2 are indeed toxic in their effects, especially for the vulnerable. The uncertainties involved and the work on ‘CO2 Plume Dispersal’ has led many authorities elsewhere, including the USA, to require significant separation between pipelines and populated buildings. These ‘setbacks’ would be between 1km and 1.5km at least and would also require significant investment in emergency planning resources. The route proposed through Boldre passes close to schools, churches, community centres, hospitality venues and housing. It cannot meet the sort of separation that safe operation requires.
For our local community’s health and welfare we can only oppose this particular route.
So: Preference 3 for the Mainland Route.
Adopted and agreed unanimously at Boldre Parish Council Meeting on 9 September 2024
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Meeting Report August 2024
The summer is upon us. The next full meeting will be Monday 9th September at 18.30
BPC Community Grants
The second phase for grant applications is now open and there are small grants available for local community groups to apply for. The application form can be found on our website. Applications close on 30th September.
Solent CO2 Pipeline Project
ExxonMobil are currently in a stage of consultation in the local area for a proposed CO2 pipeline. The public consultation closes at 6pm on 12th September. We urge all parishioners to have their say. Details can be found on the website www.solentco2pipeline.co.uk
Full Fibre Broadband
The Council has been approached by Wessex Internet. They will be present at the start of the next BPC meeting on 9th September. Information below from Wessex Internet. Wessex Internet say:
“Thanks to this Project Gigabit funding, a number of properties in Boldre will be given access to gigabit-capable full fibre broadband direct to their home or business premises and be eligible for a free installation from Wessex Internet. In addition, we have commercial plans to roll out full fibre to many additional properties in the area that were not included in the contract.
In the meantime, if residents or businesses in your parish have any questions about this programme or our wider roll out, I am the dedicated Community Engagement Manager for your area and I’m more than happy to help. You can contact me via email
Recreation Ground Project
BPC have three full set of quotes and will begin the process of selecting suppliers to be able to pursue the projects in the Autumn.
As well as the new equipment, there will be a new base under the picnic bench, a fresh coat of paint on the kick wall and 15 fruit trees to be planted in November.
Is there anything you would like to see at the recreation ground? Do you have any further fundraising ideas? Please get in touch.
As the future of football is uncertain on the recreation ground, thoughts are being given to how the recreation ground as a whole could have alternative recreation uses. Do you have a group that could use the pavilion for an outside exercise class or use it as a base for some outdoor training? Contact the Clerk with your proposals.
Parish Highways
Please, if you notice road signs obscured by vegetation make a note and let the group know.
Please continue to report Road issues to the Highways Authority – Hampshire County Council – search:
Hampshire County Council Report a Problem and select Road Problem
Hampshire also have an App for ‘Phones – OurHants
Helping hands
As we begin to go into the Autumn/Winter season where the days are shorter, the weather is less fortunate and the likelihood of increased illness, we think of vulnerable residents in the Parish.
Do you know of a service that might help with transportation for medical appointments, to local community groups or a service to check in on your neighbour? Can you offer some time to help local vulnerable residents. Please get in touch.
Boldre Parish Clerk – Victoria Thomas
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Communication from Vicky Missen - Community Engagement Manager
She will be present at the start of the next BPC meeting on Monday 9th September
Project Gigabit New Forest – Exciting news for Boldre Parish
In March 2023, Wessex Internet was awarded a Project Gigabit contract, under the government’s flagship £5 billion programme, to enable hard-to-reach communities to access gigabit-capable broadband. This contract will put more than 10,000 properties in the New Forest and surrounding areas in the digital fast lane.
Thanks to this Project Gigabit funding, a number of properties in Boldre will be given access to gigabit-capable full fibre broadband direct to their home or business premises and be eligible for a free installation from Wessex Internet. In addition, we have commercial plans to roll out full fibre to many additional properties in the area that were not included in the contract.
The Project Gigabit contract is a three-year contract. We are now working on the scoping and planning of our fibre routes with work on the ground due to begin later this year.
In case you’re not aware of who we are, Wessex Internet is a local internet service provider based in Dorset. We’re passionate about connecting our local communities to fast and reliable broadband. We’re rolling out full fibre networks across Dorset, Wiltshire, South Somerset and Hampshire.
We are more than happy to come and meet you and your colleagues on the Parish Council to explain our approach and what this will mean for residents and businesses in your community. In addition, we are in regular contact with Hampshire County Council and will continue to work with the council on our network roll out.
In the meantime, if residents or businesses in your parish have any questions about this programme or our wider roll out, I am the dedicated Community Engagement Manager for your area and I’m more than happy to help. You can contact me via email
We very much look forward to hearing from you. and helping to bring full fibre connectivity to the area.
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There are two opportunities to have your say face to face locally.
Boldre War Memorial Hall - 14th August 10.30 - 17.00
Elmers Court - Friday 16th August 10:30 - 18:30
Find out more on the weblink below.
Have your say - Solent CO₂ Pipeline Project (solentco2pipeline.co.uk)
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The second and final application window for a 2024 community grant is now open.
Boldre Parish Council has a scheme whereby local community groups can apply to the council for a small grant.
The deadline for application is 30th September. By email to
Application form 
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