Ruth Edwards, MP for Rushcliffe, has backed plans to transform the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station into a green technology and energy hub and generate thousands of skilled jobs.
The plans, which have been laid out by Rushcliffe Borough Council, include the creation of a zero-carbon technology and energy hub, advanced manufacturing and innovative facilities for research and development into new technologies. This will be part of the East Midlands Freeport which will cover three sites in the East Midlands, including Ratcliffe-on-Soar, to bring highly skilled jobs and growth to Rushcliffe.
To achieve this vision, Rushcliffe Borough Council have brought forward a ‘Local Development Order’, or LDO, for the site. An LDO is a tool used by a council that confers planning consent for a site as an outline, rather than focusing on each plot in the first instance.
The advantage of an LDO is that it helps accelerate the delivery of developments and simplify the planning process where land might otherwise go unused, enabling growth and attracting investment. Developers must still obtain planning consent before they build on a site where an LDO is in place.
Ruth Edwards said:
“With the Ratcliffe-on-Soar coal power station due to close at the end of 2024, this LDO will allow work to begin on the future East Midlands Freeport site and technology hub much sooner.”
“It is a truly exciting prospect to think about the exciting innovations, world-leading businesses and jobs that will move into the Ratcliffe site. I was elected on a campaign pledge to support the creation of a green tech park at Ratcliffe-on-Soar and I am delighted to be involved in bringing this vision for a cleaner, green economy to life for the people of Rushcliffe.”
The LDO is currently under consultation before the council make the final decision later in the year. This consultation is open for responses until Monday 10 January 2022 and can be found at this link: Ratcliffe LDO.
“The vision for the site is a vision for the East Midlands. I would encourage residents to get involved and have their say”.
Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council Cllr Simon Robinson said:
“The Power Station site is a hugely important strategic and iconic site that could shape this part of Rushcliffe and the East Midlands and attract significant investment in the region for decades to come.
“Many power station sites often remain vacant for years after they have closed and the Council is therefore taking this proactive approach with the LDO to help secure its long-term future after its closure.
“On the back of the positive news on HS2 at the adjacent East Midlands Parkway in November, it’s an exciting time for all partners and we are preparing the order to support the delivery of these exciting ambitions for the future of the site.”
