Go-ahead given for innovative green developments in East Northants

Planning permission has been given for two innovative green developments in East Northants.

Councillors at East Northants Council (ENC) have approved a major planning application on behalf of Federal Estates for a new innovation park at Chelveston Renewable Energy Park, along with a 120 dwelling housing development at Higham Ferrers which has been designed and optimised to use market leading technology in renewable energy.

The existing Chelveston Renewable Energy Park, the largest facility of its kind in the UK, generates wind and solar power, complimented by on-site power storage and hydrogen technologies.

The scheme will deliver renewable energy directly to businesses based at the new Innovation Energy Park.

The significance of the site has been recognised in the recently published Oxford Cambridge Arc Economic Prospectus where it is identified as an exemplar initiative for driving the Green Arc agenda which seeks to significantly reduce the nation’s carbon footprint over the coming years.

Cllr Steven North, leader of East Northamptonshire Council, said: “The existing development at Chelveston Renewable Energy Park is already a huge benefit to our area and further afield and this new development will be an excellent addition.

“The Innovation Park, alongside the nearby housing development, truly is cutting edge and will put East Northants on the map, drawing in high energy consuming businesses in from far and wide who want to be powered by renewable energy whilst also benefiting local residents with the addition of new jobs and much needed sustainable new housing.”

Robert Taylor, engineering manager of Federal Estates, said: “We are delighted that our proposals for the projects at Chelveston and Higham Ferrers have been recognised and approved by East Northants Council.

"We appreciated the open and positive approach to planning from the East Northants Planning Services team, who worked closely with us from the pre-application stages.

“The proposals will demonstrate the integration of locally generated renewable energy into both domestic and employment uses.

"We will deliver these schemes which will contribute to a net zero carbon future, creating a unique environment for cutting edge businesses to locate and collaborate with the technologies already employed at Chelveston Renewable Energy Park.”

The park is expected to be of significant interest to businesses with large power demands, seeking to lower their carbon profile via a private wire connected directly to the Renewable Energy Park.

There has already been interest from companies including one specialising in vertical farming, which is considerably more efficient than traditional methods, and a specialist novel carpet recycling facility.

The 120 new houses will utilise advanced technologies including on-site roof top solar, communal battery storage and car charging facilities which will deliver future proofed housing well above the standards required by the current and planned building regulations.

Savills and locally based commercial property specialist’s Prop-Search represented Federal Estates in the planning application; with Prop-Search retained to advise on the future development of the projects.

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