Rugeley power station demolition work to begin later this year

The revelation comes as plans for a second access route to the power station have been unveiled to make it easier to clear the site once demolition work starts.

The power station, which dominates Rugeley's skyline, has been left derelict since it was closed down by owners Engie in June last year.

No firm plans have been set yet for the future of the site however Councillor George Adamson, the leader of Cannock Chase District Council, thinks demolition work will begin later this year once a contractor has been appointed.

He told the Express & Star: "The application for the new access route is to help the owners when they start knocking it down to make it easier to get all the rubble out. At the moment there is only one entrance but that will become two with this application and make it easier to clear the site.

"The contract for who is going to carry out the work is currently out to tender and I believe the demolition work is expected to start later this year."

Owners Engie declined to comment.

The new access route, if approved, will be via the A513 Rugeley Road.

The planning application, submitted to Lichfield District Council planning chiefs due to its location, also includes plans for a new roundabout.

A design and access statement prepared for council bosses states: "At present, there is just one point of access to the power station, from the A51 Power Station Road.

"In order to enable separation of demolition traffic within the site, and to create uninterrupted access for third parties to service and replace critical electric infrastructure, it is therefore necessary for a second access with full movements and use to be constructed."