Discussion on proposals for former power plant

Plans to enhance the former Ratcliffe Power Station site for business use are now open for public feedback. The Nottinghamshire plant, which had been generating electricity since 1968, ceased operations on 30 September 2024 as part of the UK's strategy to reduce coal consumption.

Rushcliffe Borough Council is inviting opinions on a proposed Local Development Order (LDO). This document aims to accelerate the planning process by assessing suitable uses for a specific area in advance of individual project applications.

The council emphasized that the fast-evolving business landscape, particularly for data centres, makes updated planning regulations essential. LDOs help streamline approvals by evaluating the appropriateness of certain project types before detailed plans are submitted.

The Ratcliffe site is considered a prime location for major developments capable of generating thousands of jobs. Past proposals for the area have included an incinerator, a hydrogen production facility, and a fusion energy plant. Data centres, which manage and store digital information for cloud computing and AI applications, require substantial energy and water resources.

Following a similar consultation in 2022, residents and stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on the latest changes. Key updates include permitting data centres south of the A453, enabling early environmental mitigation measures, and allowing local labour agreements to be negotiated for individual plots.

Neil Clarke, leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, stated: "We invite everyone to contribute their views on the future of this strategic and iconic site, which has the potential to shape the region and attract significant investment. An updated LDO could safeguard the sites long-term importance locally, regionally, and nationally."

The consultation will run until January, with a comprehensive review scheduled for 2026.

Author: Sophia Brooks