Discussion date set for Ironbridge Power Station site plans
A public consultation on plans for the Ironbridge Power Station site will begin in October.
Councillor Nicola Lowery, ward member for the Ironbridge Gorge, said she had been told by owners of the Ironbridge Power Station that local stakeholders would be spoken to in September.
Bosses at The Harworth Group met councillors from across the region, including Claire Wild of Severn Valley, David Turner of Much Wenlock and Simon Harris of Broseley.
During the meeting, the group discussed plans for the future of the power station site.
Councillor Lowery said: “This marks the start of plans for the future that will define this significant site, which holds unprecedented economic potential for both Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Council.
"A meeting was recently held between the new owners of the site and Shropshire district councillors Claire Wild, Councillor David Turner, Councillor Simon Harris and I with initial discussions being very productive and positive.
"It was encouraging to hear of Harworth’s plans to hold technical-based workshops with local stakeholders in September to specifically explore the potential of the site and the future use.
"Harworth confirmed that they will then proceed to engage in public consultation in October of this year. This is excellent news as it is vital that our communities have an opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of this site and provide the new owners with their knowledge to ensure we take a collaborative approach."
Councillor Lowery said the future of the site had now begun – and that Harworth were keen to engage with communities.
"Within our initial meeting we did explore the potential opportunity of the site contributing positively to the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, which is something that was positively received by Harworth and we shall be developing in further detail with them in the coming months," she said.
"The journey to define the site’s future has now begun and Harworth have made some positive steps to engage with local stakeholders as well as their plans to engage our communities, as it is vital that our local communities are closely involved and have their views heard which is something we as local representatives have continued to push for throughout to ensure we obtain an iconic regeneration scheme."
MORE:
It was revealed earlier this month that 20 wildlife ponds could be built as a haven for great crested newts in the area.
The site will be developed before the decommissioned coal-fired power station is demolished under plans approved in November 2017.
Great crested newts, their eggs, breeding sites and resting places, are protected by law. Those found to cause harm to them can face an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison if found guilty.
The application marks the start of proposals by the Harworth Group to develop the site with several hundred new homes, commercial and leisure uses, and a “significant” public open space.
It comes just weeks after the company confirmed its purchase of the site for an undisclosed price. The power station was closed in November 2015 and demolition plans, including the destruction of its four pink cooling towers, were submitted by former owners Uniper in September 2017.
The regeneration plans are due to be submitted next year.
