PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT IRONBRIDGE
Our next key piece of work is the demolition of the former Ironbridge Power Station’s Chimney Stack, scheduled for 3rd September 2021 between 10am and 1pm.
It is important to note that while the demolition is planned for this time, there may be adverse weather conditions or other circumstances that could cause a delay or possible postponement of the demolition. Should this be the case, Harworth will issue further statements to advise on its timetable.
Our principal concern is to bring the Chimney Stack down safely, in full compliance with the Section 81 notice issued by Shropshire Council for this purpose. To protect everyone on site and in the local area, a 650m safety exclusion zone will be in place shortly before, during and for a period after the explosion to which there will be no public access. A map of the exclusion zone is shared on the News section of this website.
The blowdown of the Chimney Stack will generate dust. The vast majority of dust generated by the blowdown will fall within the Chimney Stack’s immediate vicinity. There remains the possibility however that some dust will be carried beyond the 650m exclusion zone. Therefore, any local residents with respiratory conditions are advised to stay indoors during and immediately after the demolition takes place. In addition, our advice to all residents is:
No. No access will be given onto site, with the 650m exclusion zone enforced by sentries on its perimeter on the day of demolition.
We estimate we have a further 4-months of demolition work after the Chimney Stack, hence we estimate our demolition works will be completed by Winter 2021. Further updates will be given on this website.
A minerals extraction application was submitted in November 2019.
Approximately 2 million tonnes would be removed, at a rate of 400,000 tonnes per annum (equating to a five-year extraction period).
The intention is to transport the minerals off site via the railway line, to avoid significant HGV movements on the road network. This reflects the importance of our ongoing work with Network Rail and other stakeholders to strengthen the existing railway bridge into site to support the rail movements this would generate.
The planning application for redevelopment was submitted in December 2019, supported by a series of technical documents including transport, ecology and sustainability assessments. The scheme comprises approximately 1000 dwellings, commercial use, a village centre, leisure uses, primary school, medical facilities, open space and landscaping, Park and Ride scheme, access and associated infrastructure. The plan for the proposals can be accessed on the website.
We expect development to take between ten and fifteen years. It will be delivered in phases like all big developments, meaning changes over time will be gradual and planned. Local residents should also note that each phase of development will require what is known as ‘detailed’ planning consent, where the planned development has to conform with the outline planning consent granted for the site’s wider redevelopment. Local people will be statutory consultees for all future applications.
Traffic modelling has been undertaken in conjunction with Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire Council. The results of this have informed the proposed access strategy for the site and vehicle movements in relation to the highways network and future development. The outcome is used to determine how and where mitigation to road junctions is needed.
Similarly, we have worked hard with local heritage groups to make sure any development does not adversely affect the Gorge or the operation of museums over time. We remain focused on eventually bringing passenger rail services into use to support local ambitions to increase tourism to Ironbridge.
As above, discussions are taking place with Network Rail over the use of the line and the upgrade of the Albert Edward bridge. The intention is to create a viable passenger rail service from the Power Station to Telford.
Discussion are on-going with both Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Councils over the provision of a new primary school on site and the provision of new medical facilities.
As part of the planning application, our proposals assess landscape and visual impact aspect, including potential impacts on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, World Heritage Site and Buildwas Abbey. Mitigation measures such as screening are incorporated throughout the site as required by the results of this assessment.