A major new infrastructure proposal – the Peak Cluster CO₂ Pipeline – is now entering public consultation, and it could shape access, landscape character and trail integrity across parts of the Peak District, Cheshire, Staffordshire, and the wider corridor stretching all the way to the Irish Sea.
The project proposes a 121‑mile underground CO₂ pipeline, transporting captured carbon emissions from major cement and lime plants in Derbyshire and Staffordshire to permanent storage in the depleted Morecambe Bay gas fields.
The scheme is backed by a consortium including Tarmac, Holcim, Breedon, Buxton Lime and Spirit Energy, supported by funding from the National Wealth Fund and additional private partners.
Why This Matters to Mountain Bikers
While the pipeline would be underground for most of its route, its construction phase spans four counties and includes several sections affecting land near existing rights‑of‑way, sensitive landscapes, and areas popular with outdoor users. In Derbyshire alone, the proposed alignment crosses roughly several miles of the Peak District near Hope Valley, Dove Holes and Chapel-en-le-Frith.
The project is still in its first consultation phase, running from 12 January to 27 February 2026, and includes several in‑person events where the public can question the project team and give feedback.
For mountain bikers, this is the key moment to raise concerns about:
- Access to trails during construction
- Long‑term restoration of affected land
- Protection of bridleways, byways and permissive routes
- Impacts on wildlife, habitats and iconic upland landscapes
- Monitoring and mitigation of future maintenance works
- Ensuring that the Peak District remains a world‑class riding environment
What the Project Involves
According to publicly available documents, the pipeline would:
- Transport up to three million tonnes of CO₂ per year for offshore storage.
- Support the decarbonisation of 40% of the UK’s cement and lime production, much of which takes place around Buxton, Hope Valley and Staffordshire Moorlands.
- Create between 1,200 and 13,000 jobs depending on the phase of calculation (construction vs. long‑term industry support).
- Require a wide construction corridor, up to 300 metres during route selection, narrowing to around 100 metres for the final build.
The pipeline route involves complex engineering choices, including watercourse crossings, proximity to sensitive sites, and occasional sections where burial may not be possible.
Consultation Events: Your Chance to Influence What Happens Next
The consultation includes drop‑in sessions across different communities. For our members, the most relevant are the events being held in:
- Leek – Monday 9th February
- Buxton – Tuesday 10th February
- Bradwell – Thursday 12th February
These sessions are designed for residents, land users, and groups like ours to ask questions directly to the project team and ensure outdoor recreation interests are represented.
A Message from Peak District MTB Committee
“This project could have long‑lasting consequences for the landscapes and trails we all care about. That’s why it is absolutely vital that Peak District MTB members take part in the consultation. Whether you ride weekly or only when you can, your voice matters. Please attend the consultation events in Leek, Buxton and the Hope Valley, and make sure the mountain biking communities voice is heard.”
How You Can Contribute
- Attend a consultation event – ask questions, express concerns, and request clarity on trail impacts.
- Submit feedback online through the consultation website before 27 February 2026.
- Inform other riders—the more responses from our community, the stronger our influence.
- Report any trails you believe are at risk so we can compile a community map of concern areas.