Ferrybridge: Plans put forward to develop former power station site

At its peak in the 1970s more than 800 people were employed at the site

Up to 2,500 jobs could be created if plans to redevelop an old power station site in West Yorkshire are approved.

Wakefield Council planning officers have recommended backing the proposal to transform the Ferrybridge C power station site in Knottingley into a major industrial and employment zone.

It could generate £130m a year for the local economy, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Councillors will vote on the plans at a meeting on Thursday.

A spokesperson for the applicant, Mountpark Logistics, said it was an "exciting opportunity to bring a historic brownfield site back to life".

The spokesperson added that it would provide "much-needed industrial/logistics facilities to a strategically important distribution location."

A report said the site, to be called Mountpark Ferrybridge, could provide 2,500 jobs at full capacity.

The same document said the jobs would include a range of skill levels, including management, technical, manufacturing and admin roles.

Constructions costs are expected to be about £110m, with 86 full time jobs created during the building phase.

The scheme would involve extensive infrastructure works, which include building new roads to improve access to the old coal yard.

Works are also planned on Kirkhaw Lane and the Old Great North Road.

'Adequate impact'

Eight people have so far objected to the scheme, citing concerns the new buildings would have detrimental impact on the nearby Brotherton village.

In their report, council officers said the site was "capable of providing the stated level of floorspace and the new access road would ensure that the development would have an acceptable impact on the local highway network."

The plant, close to the river Aire, was shut in March 2016 having produced energy for more than 50 years.

At its peak it employed about 800 people.

The eight 380ft (115m) high cooling towers at Ferrybride C were a familiar landmark to drivers on the nearby A1(M) road.

The structures were demolished in phases between 2019 and 2022.