Eastgate Renewable Energy Village
Encyclopedia
The Eastgate Renewable Energy Village (otherwise known as Eco-Disney) is a multi-million pound project planned for the village of Eastgate
in Weardale
, County Durham
. The plan is to showcase five different forms of renewable energy and create a complex that includes a hotel, spa, cable car ride, 65 new homes, a cafe, viewing platforms and bird watching centre and connection with the Weardale Railway
.
In 2004, an interim report found that the Eastgate Geothermal Exploration Borehole was capable of providing water at 26°C, potentially providing hot water and heating for the buildings on site.
The planning application was submitted in April 2008.
As of October 2009, the plans await examination by Government Office North East, who will decide whether to call in the decision or give it full approval.
In September 2010, £1 million funding that was to be received was cancelled as part of the government's budget cut programme, leaving the project's future in serious doubt. It is hoped the money will be raised through the private sector.
. Objectors claim the development would ruin the scenery, that the hot springs lack the heat needed for success, the energy created would be insignificant and that large quantities of fuel sources would need to be transported to Weardale. Additionally, the sustainability of such systems has been called into question.
Eastgate, County Durham
Eastgate is a village in County Durham, England. It is situated in Weardale, a few miles west of Stanhope.Eastgate originally marked the eastern border of the private hunting park of the Prince Bishops of Durham. This was second in extent only to the royal hunting park of the New Forest in Hampshire...
in Weardale
Weardale
Weardale is a dale, or valley, of the east side of the Pennines in County Durham, in England. Large parts of Weardale fall within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - the second largest AONB in England and Wales. The upper valley is surrounded by high fells and heather grouse...
, County Durham
County Durham
County Durham is a ceremonial county and unitary district in north east England. The county town is Durham. The largest settlement in the ceremonial county is the town of Darlington...
. The plan is to showcase five different forms of renewable energy and create a complex that includes a hotel, spa, cable car ride, 65 new homes, a cafe, viewing platforms and bird watching centre and connection with the Weardale Railway
Weardale Railway
The Weardale Railway is a British single-track branch line railway providing regular daily passenger service between Bishop Auckland , Wolsingham, Frosterley and Stanhope. Services began on 23 May 2010 after a lapse of almost sixty years. The railway originally ran from Bishop Auckland to...
.
History
In 2002, the Weardale Task Force decided that Eastgate could provide a sustainable facility as part of the wider regeneration of Weardale.In 2004, an interim report found that the Eastgate Geothermal Exploration Borehole was capable of providing water at 26°C, potentially providing hot water and heating for the buildings on site.
The planning application was submitted in April 2008.
Current Progress
On 29 September 2009, the plans got unanimous outline approval by the County Durham strategic planning committee.As of October 2009, the plans await examination by Government Office North East, who will decide whether to call in the decision or give it full approval.
In September 2010, £1 million funding that was to be received was cancelled as part of the government's budget cut programme, leaving the project's future in serious doubt. It is hoped the money will be raised through the private sector.
Controversy
Opinion seems to be split on the benefits of the project. Supporters claim it will provide 350 jobs, encourage eco-friendly lifestyles, act as a prototype for other similar projects and regenerate a region left devastated by foot and mouth and the closure of the Lafarge Cement UK works, potentially turning the area into a tourist attraction comparable with the Lake DistrictLake District
The Lake District, also commonly known as The Lakes or Lakeland, is a mountainous region in North West England. A popular holiday destination, it is famous not only for its lakes and its mountains but also for its associations with the early 19th century poetry and writings of William Wordsworth...
. Objectors claim the development would ruin the scenery, that the hot springs lack the heat needed for success, the energy created would be insignificant and that large quantities of fuel sources would need to be transported to Weardale. Additionally, the sustainability of such systems has been called into question.