Concerns revealed over Rugeley Power Station development

Significant implications for the redevelopment of Rugeley Power Station have been revealed following a consultation on the masterplan for the plot.

Responses to a Supplementary Planning Document, which was put out jointly by Cannock Chase and Lichfield District Councils, included submissions from Cannock Chase MP Amanda Milling, Rugeley Power Ltd, which own the site, and Pegasus Group planning consultants.

Ms Milling warned against creating warehouses and distribution centres which would not only provide low skilled jobs, but also add to the town’s existing problems with HGVs.

The MP argued the site would be more suited to a science or technology park.

She said: "I feel that the planning policy document in its current form is in danger of homing businesses that offer low skilled employment, such as warehouses and ‘standard’ businesses units which are already in plentiful supply.

Not only is there the danger that more warehouses and distribution centres will simply create low skilled jobs but also exacerbate the issue of HGV traffic and HGV fly-parking in and around Rugeley."

While the Pegasus Group, from Sutton Coldfield, state the site could cater for up to 2,000 homes – more than double the 800 currently earmarked – to help meet housing shortages in Birmingham.

They said: "Pegasus Group consider the site is capable of supporting up to 2,000 houses as part of a comprehensive mixed use scheme across both areas.

"An increase in housing provision supported within the site would assist in meeting the increased housing pressures in light of the significant shortfalls evidenced across the wider Greater Birmingham Housing Market Area."

Savills estate agents, on behalf of Rugeley Power Ltd. have provided more details on the impact HS2 would have after the Express & Star revealed the controversial project could delay redevelopment by years.

They state: “The HS2 Bill proposals include the legal instruments to acquire by compulsory means various parcels of land within the Rugeley Power Station site.

"This will split the site into two separate parts with a strip owned by HS2 between them. It will not be possible for a developer or either Council to lay a road connecting the two parts of the Power Station site.

"Neither will a developer progress redevelopment proposals assuming a combined site whilst the HS2 Bill remains live, as this is an unacceptable threat to such a form of development.

"Accordingly each of the two halves of the Power Station site will require its own access.”