Consultation launches into plans for new power station

The cycle gas turbine station is earmarked for Meaford Business Park, the site of the former coal-fired Meaford Power Station near Stone.

Bosses behind the scheme say 30 permanent jobs will be created and 800 construction posts. The consultation runs until July 7.

Draft plans for the power station were presented for the first time to the public at a series of events in Staffordshire in October last year.

The proposals are being brought forward by Meaford Energy Limited, a joint venture between Glenfinnan and the owners of the Meaford Business Park, St Modwen.

Rupert Wood, director of Meaford Energy Limited, said today: "We are excited to now present our detailed plans for the Meaford Energy Centre after a successful pre-statutory consultation period last year.

"Over 100 people from across the local community submitted their feedback during that time and we considered all of their comments within these detailed plans.

"The Meaford Energy Centre is an exciting opportunity to unlock the regeneration of the Meaford Business Park by making it an attractive location for hi-tech, manufacturing and logistics firms."

If plans are approved, the power station will be operational by 2018 and bosses at Meaford Energy Limited hope the new facility will attract other firms to the largely unoccupied business park, creating further jobs.

The station will use gas and steam to produce electricity.

The plans will be on display at the Lakeside Tavern in Meaford Road, Meaford on Wednesday from 3-8pm and then at Barlaston Village Hall in Longton Road, Barlaston on Thursday from 3-8pm.

After the consultation ends, plans will be formally lodged. By late 2015/early 2016 the Secretary of State will make a final decision on the proposals earmarked for the 85-acre site.

Meaford Power Station used to be located at the site. It opened in 1948 but was decommission in 1991. Demolition of the station was completed by June 1996.

St. Modwen acquired the business park in 2004 but the site has stood largely empty since then.

The power station will feature a 299 MWe combined-cycle gas turbine.

Under the proposals, halls that house gas turbines that spin the generators to produce power will be built, as well as air-cooled condensers, a substation, water plants and storage tanks, and offices that will be used for administration and maintenance.

Around 220 people commented on the draft plans when they went on display in October.

Following the period of informal consultation, a report by Meaford Energy Limited stated: "Statutory consultation on the proposals for the Meaford Energy Centre has found significant support within the local community for a gas fired power station on the Meaford Business Park.

"A significant majority of consultees support the proposals and feel that Meaford Business Park, which is a brownfield site, should be developed and brought back into economic life."