Member Article

Renewable Energy Village moves closer

Newly updated plans for a proposed Renewable Energy Village in Weardale, County Durham, have been endorsed by the Weardale Task Force. The regeneration project is expected to create at least 350 jobs at the former Lafarge Blue Circle cement works in Eastgate. The newly released ‘master plan’ will form the basis of the planning application submission, expected in autumn 2007, subject to further testing as part of the environmental assessment process.

The overall concept for the regeneration project is to create a sustainable ‘mixed-use’ living, working, education and tourism environment for the benefit of the people of Weardale and at the forefront of energy-efficiency. The site will utilise five forms of renewable energy: geothermal, hydro, wind, solar and biomass.

John Topliss of One NorthEast, and spokesperson on behalf of the Weardale Task Force, said: “All members of the Task Force have now given their stamp of approval to the updated master plan. “This latest version of the plan is a result of a great deal of environmental, social and economic research and also reflects the growing interest we have had from businesses wishing to relocate to Eastgate. We’re thrilled that the site has the potential to create many sustainable all-year-round jobs for local people.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .