Eastgate Renewable Energy Village is a regeneration project on the site of the former Lafarge Blue Circle cement works. It will maximise the potential of the site to provide an eco-friendly living, working and learning environment and visitor attraction for the benefit of people of Weardale.
The intention is that it will demonstrate best practice in sustainability by utilising all five forms of land-based renewable energy available in the UK, which are wind, solar, hydro, biomass and geothermal – a unique concept in this country.
Weardale Task Force is the body responsible for overseeing the formulation of a masterplan for the proposed Renewable Energy Village and is made up of members from One NorthEast, Wear Valley District Council, Durham County Council and Lafarge Cement UK.
Pre-planning work is currently underway with consultants carrying out planning, renewable energy and environmental assessment work. The planning application is expected to be submitted late autumn 2007, with planning permission hoped for during 2008.
Further information can be found on the website at www.weardale-works.co.uk
