Imerys regeneration and restoration strategy boosted by

eco town shortlisting

 

 

Imerys Minerals Ltd (IML) are delighted to confirm that the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) have today announced the company’s expression of interest in developing eco town settlements in the mid Cornwall area has been successful in being shortlisted for the final round.

 

It is the only successful shortlisted bid in the South West and one of only fifteen across the country.   The news is a boost for Imerys who next week formally announce their early concepts for a massive regeneration and restoration programme across their six surplus sites.

 

The team behind Imerys’ Clay Country Vision is keen to stress that only one third of the total surplus land will be used for built development and that this will be managed across six distinct sites. The remaining two thirds of the land will be sympathetically restored to reflect the unique character of the mid Cornwall area. This land will be used for open space activities with a strong bias towards leisure use.

 

The scale of proposals are significant for Cornwall, up to 5,000 energy efficient homes are being proposed – this is an opportunity to take a leading role in developing a low carbon economy in Cornwall. These proposals are at the lower end of the national Eco Town range.

 

Imerys’ Clay Country Vision has been strengthened by the news, although the full implication of the Government’s announcement has yet to be detailed.

 

Imerys are confident that their innovative sustainability concepts, to be revealed to the local community next week, will stand them in good stead for the next stage.

 

Ends

3rd April 2008