PLANS have been revealed for a new £70 million recycling plant on the site of a Notts colliery which closed in 1995.
The Bilsthorpe Energy Centre could create 40 jobs and power 24,000 homes, reusing thousands of tonnes of waste that would have otherwise gone to landfill.
Developers Peel Environmental will start a public consultation today and is aiming to submit official proposals for the 3.7 hectare project by the autumn.
It is working in conjunction with land owners Harworth Estates – the property wing of Coalfield Resources (formerly UK Coal) – to develop the brownfield site at Bilsthorpe Business Park.
Plans were given a cautious welcome by Bilsthorpe villagers.
Simon Massey, 45, of Saville Road, said: "Forty jobs will be useful, but can they guarantee those jobs will be given to local people?
"They should make sure they talk to, and work with, the community."
Mr Massey, who worked at the Bilsthorpe colliery for eight years, added: "The impact of the pit closure was huge. We're still a dying village now, so why not use the land if the development is green and friendly?"
Another former coal worker – and groundsman at Bilsthorpe Miners' Welfare Club – Chris Willcock, 48, said: "It seems like a good idea, but they'll have to think about their access because the village has restrictions on wagons coming through.
"I'd like to see them use some of the money to improve road links for the community."
Developers were keen to stress the building will be disguised from view from the village by the surrounding landscape.
Richard Barker, development manager at Peel Environmental, said: "Our plans for the Bilsthorpe Energy Centre would bring 40 new jobs to the village and deliver £70 million of inward investment into the local area – boosting the local economy.
"We see waste as a resource rather than a problem."
The Bilsthorpe Energy Centre could divert tonnes of waste from landfill each year, producing 10.2MW of electricity.
Mr Barker added: "We look forward to speaking to those who live and work in Bilsthorpe and Eakring over the coming weeks to explain the proposals and take on board the views of the local community."
Eddie Peat, director of Harworth Estates, said: "The Energy Centre represents substantial investment in the site and would make a valuable contribution to the regeneration of the former Bilsthorpe Colliery."
Residents can view the plans and have their say at two public exhibitions at Bilsthorpe Village Hall – on Friday, July 19, from 4pm to 8pm, and Saturday, July 20, from 10am to 2pm.
