Eastgate Renewable Energy Village
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Eastgate Renewable Energy Village (also known as Eco-Disney)[1] is a multimillion-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, bird watching centre[2] and connection with the Weardale Railway.
In 2002, the Weardale Task Force decided that Eastgate could provide a sustainable facility as part of the wider regeneration of Weardale.[3]
In 2004, an interim report found that the Eastgate Geothermal Exploration Borehole was capable of providing water at 26 °C,[4] potentially providing hot water and heating for the buildings on site.[5] The planning application was submitted in April 2008.
Progress
On 29 September 2009, the plans got unanimous outline approval by the County Durham strategic planning committee.[6] As of October 2009, the plans awaited 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.[7] It is hoped the money will be raised through the private sector.