"Published on Wednesday 1 November 2006 15:56 A CONDITION stating that more green energy sources should be employed in a major new development in Darley Dale has been welcomed. Planners this month gave the go-ahead for developers to turn the former St Elphin's School site into a retirement village complex. But one condition of the approval was that the firm behind the proposal, Raven Audley Court, should strive to achieve a more carbon neutral level of emissions. Laura Stevens, of the Matlock and District Carbon Neutral Forum, said: "I think it's difficult to get some renewable energy sources passed in our conservation area and we all know that. "But there are some measures which can't even be seen and yet contribute a great deal in reducing carbon emissions. "These things should be incorporated into any new development. "I anticipate planners wouldn't allow a wind turbine or solar panels, but there are other options. Personally I can't see how a roof window looks much different from a solar panel. "It's gone beyond the need for individuals to do their bit, the changes need to be Government-led." John Evans, the mayor of Darley Dale, has a working background in renewable energy. He said: "There is a thing called geo-thermal energy where you put pipes down into the soil where the air is slightly warmer, and you have equipment that pumps out that warmth - like a refrigerator in reverse. Nobody can see it. "I would like to see them use this method and some of the new photo-voltaic (solar) panels which can now be made to resemble the roof tiles. "I would love to see that in this valley." Nick Sanderson, chief executive of Raven Audley Court, said it was too early to say what methods of more renewable energy they would be employing. But he added: "It is something we are working on as we speak. It is a very topical issue and we are conscious of that. "We are taking it seriously and working to come up with some very innovative ideas." Work on the former school site is scheduled to begin in the New Year.
Reprinted by kind permission of Matlock Mercury |
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