Power station site plans studied

The new station takes up only part of the site

The future of a major brownfield site in South Derbyshire could become clearer after a meeting.

Those living near the old Drakelow power station have been invited to meet the owners, E.ON UK and engineer Roger Bullivant, to discuss their plans.

A gas-fired power station has already been approved for part of the area but hundreds of remaining acres could be used for housing or light industry.

Walton-on-Trent parish council has said the infrastructure must be suitable.

Opening date

Henry Timms, from the parish council, underlined the potential impact of the development.

"A site of this size effects of the surrounding villages. It would affect the schools, the doctors' surgeries and all the services.

"It will also, of course, have an impact on the local economy and employment."

Plans for an eco-town between Drakelow and Rosliston in South Derbyshire were turned down by the government in April.

The consultation finishes this weekend at Rosliston Forestry Centre.

The cooling towers of the original power station were demolished in September 2006.

The new facility, which should open in 2011, could power one million homes.