Experts to prepare eco-friendly plans for former cement works site

Mar 13 2007 By The Journal

An eco-friendly development in Eastgate, Weardale, County Durham, has moved a step closer with the appointment of a team of experts to prepare a planning application.

The plans, which are expected to be ready for submission this autumn, cover proposals for the creation of the Eastgate Renewable Energy Village on the site of the old Blue Circle cement works which closed in 2002.

It is anticipated that the scheme will create at least 350 jobs, including opportunities for new and existing businesses.

The Weardale Task Force - made up of representatives from Wear Valley District Council, Durham County Council, regional development agency One NorthEast and Lafarge Cement UK - is the driving force behind the scheme.

It has confirmed the four strong team of specialists - three from the North-East will work over the coming months on drawing together the final planning application. Jim Urwin of David Lock Associates, which provides master planning services and has been engaged on the project since the beginning, has been re-appointed as lead consultant.

Planning consultancy services will be provided by Llewelyn Davies Yeang, with the team being led by Matt Verlander based at the firm's Newcastle office. Renewable energy consultant Daniel Dufton from global power services consultancy PB Power will design the renewable energy components.

Paul Salmon joins the team from environmental and engineering consultancy Entec UK to co-ordinate environmental assessment required for the planning application. John Topliss, on behalf of the Weardale Task Force, said: "The appointment of the team of specialist consultants is crucial in bringing the whole project a step closer."

The eco-village will harness five forms of renewable energy: geothermal, hydro, wind, solar and biomass, providing enough energy to supply 4,000 homes in the area.