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Plans revealed for 25-acre green energy park
Corby could be the first place in the UK to have an industrial-scale solar park, as the race is on to beat a similar scheme in Cornwall.
Corby Council chief executive Chris Mallender said he expects the council will receive a planning application from developer BeLa within the next month for a 25-acre solar park at new housing development, Priors Hall Park.
A spokesman for BeLa Partnership said discussions had taken place between BeLa director Alfred Buller and Mr Mallender about the scheme, and it was an option being considered.
Speaking at a One Corby policy committee meeting this week, Mr Mallender said: "BeLa Developments is actually discussing a scheme that would be a 25-acre solar park and would generate enough electricity to provide power for 2,000 homes on the Priors Hall Park estate.
"It's quite likely we will receive a planning application for that within the next month."
Mr Mallender was giving a presentation to Corby councillors about possible future plans for the council having its own solar park, similar to one set to be built near Newquay.
The Evening Telegraph understands an international energy company is so keen to get the scheme off the ground it is already importing solar panels.
When completed, the housing development near Weldon will boast more than 5,000 homes, retail outlets, sports facilities and an amphitheatre.
Daniel Polak, spokesman for BeLa, said: "We are looking at every possible option to make Priors Hall Park as sustainable for tomorrow's world and as carbon neutral as possible. Solar power is one of the options for doing that."
He added the company was not yet ready to submit an application.
Euclid Tapaldi, 84, of Gainsborough Road, Corby, said: "On the face of it I would think it is a good idea. Solar panels seem to be the in thing.
"It is time we all started thinking more about the environment."
Elizabeth Hopewell, 39, of Rothwell Road, Kettering, said: "I think it is going to be like the wind turbines and will be a waste of money and
a blot on the landscape."
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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