Understanding Peak Cluster

The Peak Cluster is a proposed carbon‑capture and pipeline project that would transport carbon dioxide (CO₂) from cement and lime works in Derbyshire and Staffordshire to permanent offshore storage under the East Irish seabed.

Cement and lime are fundamental materials that support many aspects of modern life. Cement is essential for producing concrete, the most widely used human‑made material in the world, while lime plays a vital but often less visible role in areas such as construction and water treatment.

Currently, a significant proportion of the UK’s supply is produced in Derbyshire and Staffordshire, accounting for approximately 40% of national output. However, the manufacturing process for both materials generates CO₂, largely due to the chemical reactions that occur when the raw materials are heated and processed.

This article explains what the Peak Cluster project involves, what stage it’s at, how it could affect the countryside and protected landscapes, and why public involvement in the consultation is essential.

About the Peak Cluster

Four cement and lime production plants in Derbyshire and Staffordshire including Holcim (Cauldon), Tarmac (Tunstead), Breedon (Hope), and Buxton Lime (Tunstead) have joined forces, along with project partners, to propose a new pipeline to capture CO₂, which is exploring the possibility of…

• A new CO₂ pipeline running from Derbyshire through Staffordshire, Cheshire and the Wirral

• Carbon capture facilities at existing industrial sites

• Offshore CO₂ storage under the Irish Sea

• Decarbonising cement and lime production

Because of its scale, Peak Cluster has been designated a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). This means that permission to build and operate it would need to be granted by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, not by local councils. As a result, the project must follow the Development Consent Order (DCO) process instead of the usual local planning system.

To learn more visit https://peakcluster.co.uk/

Stage of the process

The Peak Cluster project is at the pre‑application stage, with a six‑week public consultation currently underway. The consultation, which runs until Friday 27th February at 11.59pm, is an important opportunity for residents, landowners and communities to influence the proposed project. In particular, the consultation is looking for feedback on:

• The need for the project

• The proposed route for the pipeline

• The location of associated infrastructure along the pipeline route such as Above Ground Installations (AGI) and Block Value Stations

• The proposed capture facilities at the cement and lime operator sites in Derbyshire and Staffordshire

• General issues or comments on specific geographies concerning the project

• Any additional local issues or sensitivities you feel the developers should be aware of

• How you have found the consultation.

You can find the recording of the Peak Cluster phase 1 consultation | Derbyshire and Staffordshire Public Webinar here: Peak Cluster phase 1 consultation | Derbyshire and Staffordshire Public Webinar

Share your views here by 27th February 2026.

How it could impact the countryside, National Park & Green Belt

Because the pipeline originates in the Peak District National Park and crosses rural areas, the project has the potential to affect landscapes, farmland, habitats and protected areas.

Some of the potential impacts could include:

• Disruption to farming, grazing and crops

• Works within or near the Peak District National Park, raising concerns about landscape character and tranquillity

• Green belt disturbance where the pipeline crosses protected land

• Loss of wildlife habitats and ecological corridors

• Compulsory purchase powers under the DCO process, which can affect landowners’ rights and long‑term land management

How people can get involved

Because the project is still being shaped, public involvement now has the strongest impact. You can:

• Submit comments through the consultation portal

• Attend in person drop‑in events or online webinars

• Review route options and environmental scoping documents

• Respond to land access requests if you are a landowner

Why you should take part

Engaging in the Peak Cluster consultation is essential. The project is still only a proposal and many key elements remain undecided. At CPRE Staffordshire we are actively engaging in the consultation process, and we are encouraging others, particularly local communities who know these landscapes best, to make their voices heard.

Taking part now matters because:

• The project is not approved, and its future is still uncertain

• The route is not fixed and alternative options can still be considered

• Environmental impacts are still being assessed, with opportunities to highlight local concerns

• Mitigation measures are not yet designed, meaning communities can influence what protections are put in place

• Community feedback can still shape the project, including how it is delivered and where it goes

Once the DCO application is submitted, the scope for making significant changes becomes far more limited. Early involvement gives communities the strongest influence over what happens next.

You can find details of the project, the consultation process and the timeline on the Peak Cluster website https://peakcluster.co.uk/the-project/