Preston is to be asked for its thoughts on a new energy recovery facility due to be built in Ribbleton.

Red Scar Industrial Estate could be home to the Longridge Road Energy Centre.

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Land which used to be the Courtald’s factory has been earmarked for the development, which is current scrub-land that borders the Boilton Wood Nature Reserve.

Holding up to 395,000 tonnes of residual waste it would use this as fuel to generate low carbon electricity at the incinerator.

Costing up to £200million the project is being put forward by Miller Turner.

Around 40 jobs would be created at the energy plant and around 500 jobs would be involved in the construction.

Firms nearby would be able to connect to the generator, via a ‘private wire’, to get cheaper electricity than if they were using the National Grid.

Read more: Pictures of the Courtauld’s factory before demolition

Chief executive Gregory Ewing said: “Our team has great experience of developing energy projects, including plants like Longridge Road Energy Centre. It will use well-proven, efficient technology which is currently in operation at numerous energy recovery facilities across the UK and Europe.

“The plant will operate under a strict licensing system administered by the Environment Agency.

“Red Scar is an excellent site for our proposals. The motorway and local road connections mean there is no need for delivery vehicles to go through residential areas. The technology will ensure no odours are present outside the plant and will operate well within strict environmental regulations.

“The project is a huge opportunity for Preston and Lancashire to generate stable, low carbon electricity and, in the process, help to sustain or create jobs and reduce landfill, which is relatively high in Lancashire and damaging to our environment.

“As we finalise our proposals, we are keen to hear from people about their views of the scheme and answer any questions people have. We are committed to engaging fully with the community and want to be a good neighbour.

“If the plans are approved, we will launch a community liaison group to engage local people throughout the construction and operation of the plant. We plan to build a visitor centre for local schools, we will invest in enhancing local biodiversity and we will create a £65,000 community fund to support local projects.

“This public consultation is the first stage in our commitment to local communities and so we hope people will get in touch.”

Read more: What existed before the Courtauld’s factory at Red Scar?

A six week pre-planning application consultation is running for the city to give its views via the Longridge Road Energy website.

No designs of the facility are available yet.

Two public drop-in sessions are being held on Wednesday 13 March (4pm to 8pm) and Thursday 14 March (10am to 2.30pm) at the Norman Jepson Beefeater, Bluebell Way, Fulwood, PR2 5PZ.

What do you think about the proposals? Do you live nearby? Let us know in the comments below

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