New power station generates interest in Staffordshire business park

GOVERNMENT approval of a gas fired power station at a new Staffordshire business park is a major step forward for the development of the site, it has been claimed.
 
Staffordshire County Council said the green light for the new Meaford Gas Power Station was a shot-in-the-arm for the newly created Meaford Business Park, near Stone.

The Government’s decision, which is expected to provide a big boost for jobs locally and energy creation nationally, follows planning approval last month for the first industrial unit on the new business park.

It is also a boost to the county’s industrial strength following the closure of the coal-fired Rugeley power station earlier this year.

Cllr Mark Winnington, Staffordshire’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “Government approval of the gas fired power station at Meaford is a major milestone and demonstrates real progress.

“This is a key part of the site development and will provide a boost in terms of jobs and an important part in national energy security.

“Following on from the approval of the first industrial unit last month it is rewarding to see things moving at pace. We’re pleased to have laid the foundations at Meaford which will lead to more investment and employment opportunities.”

Over the last 12 months, the county council has been carrying out infrastructure works to provide roads and utilities to the site.

This has paved the way for developer St. Modwen to begin construction on the site, which could eventually support around 2,200 jobs.

The road scheme was the recipient of money from the Local Growth Fund; a total of £6m was secured by the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, together with a contribution from St. Modwen.