Latest plans for a 'once-in-a-generation' redevelopment of Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station have been put forward. Rushcliffe Borough Council is looking to make revisions to a proposed Local Development Order that could give the green light to new industry and business projects and the potential of thousands of permanent highly-skilled jobs at the site.
A draft order was made for Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station, which is owned by the international energy company Uniper and due to close in September 2024 in line with government policy to end the coal fired power generation.
Following a consultation earlier this year the council is proposing a number of revisions to the draft order and its supporting documents. Residents will be able to share their views on the revised draft until January 19, 2023 either online, through the post or at the Rushcliffe Borough Council Customer Service Centre in West Bridgford.
Local residents and businesses within the vicinity of the power station are also being sent letters inviting them to offer feedback on these revisions. In a statement, the council wrote: "A draft Local Development Order that could give the green light to new industry and business projects and the potential of thousands of permanent highly- skilled jobs at the site is being finalised by Rushcliffe Borough Council.
Read More: DWP cold weather payments, every postcode eligible to get the £25 boost
"A design guide and masterplan for the site has been prepared to support the redevelopment, which will guide growth and development over the coming years including the proposals linked to the previously announced East Midlands Freeport and the Development Corporation projects that could create further jobs and significant investment. The Borough Council has made some revisions to the draft LDO in response to the consultation comments and feedback received to date and wants to hear further views on the latest proposals."
A Local Development Order is a planning tool used by councils to grant planning permission for specific types of development within a defined area, and are used to streamline the planning process and it removed the need for developers to create a planning application. The proposed revisions for the draft order include amending the range of permitted uses on the southern area of the site, which is the land south of the A453, so it can be used for low carbon energy production as well as storage and manufacturing uses.
The revisions also include limiting the amount of development that can be occupied before road improvements are delivered, and to place greater limits on the height of buildings in the southern area. The council's revisions also include a public transport strategy to be approved before the new development can be occupied or brought into use, as well as a contribution to a traffic management study for local roads in nearby villages, and various revisions to the orders design guide to ensure a quality new environment is delivered once the site is redeveloped.
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station site offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the East Midlands to thrust itself into the centre of the energy transition, which will undoubtedly be the next major economic development as we hurtle towards net zero.
“Already, we have heard some very ambitious ideas about how it could be used for low-carbon growth following decommissioning of its coal-fired operation, which all harness the East Midlands’ industrial strengths and have the potential to further develop our region as a Centre of Trading Excellence while creating new highly skilled jobs.
“The local development order has been a key step forward and we would encourage businesses and the general public to take part in the consultation so that this strategically significant project fully represents the wide-ranging views from across the region.”
Rushcliffe Borough Council aims to create a local development order to grant planning permission for a new development, comprising of a zero-carbon technology and energy hub for the East Midlands, modern industry and business uses, served by on-site sustainable energy generation and storage. It also hoped that the site will have advanced manufacturing and a hub for research, development, and innovation, through links with universities, business support organisations and established industry.
If approved, the Local Development Order will enable any operations or engineering works necessary for the site, such as excavation, earthworks, piling, formation of compounds, import of materials, temporary offices or worker accommodation, and any associated environmental, construction or traffic management.
Read Next:
Warning to parents buying scooters for Christmas despite the law
Nottinghamshire patients asked to use services 'wisely' after GP suspends urgent care
MET Office gives date for when Nottingham weather expected to warm up
Burglar who raided footballer Raheem Sterling's mansion also targeted homes in Nottinghamshire
