MORE details are emerging today over the future use of surplus land surrounding Yorkshire Water’s Esholt treatment works.

Following initial public consultation earlier this month, a preliminary masterplan for the 50 acres of land around the utility firm’s site has been drawn up.

As a result of new technology the operational footprint of the water treatment works has reduced significantly, leaving large areas of land redundant and unused.

The parts of the site to be redeveloped include former operational works such as old filter beds and primary tanks.

Yorkshire Water and Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister company to Yorkshire Water, have assembled a team to generate ideas for the future use of the areas of vacant land.

The project team is looking to deliver a development that is “truly exceptional and nationally recognised”, reusing the largely brownfield site to create somewhere that future residents and visitors can live, work and play.

It is understood that the number of homes planned for the site is between 100 and 150 and the preliminary masterplan includes the creation of one of the most sustainable residential developments in the country by using an “innovative blend of materials, technologies, landscape features and building forms”.

As for the work element, the plan includes creating innovative workspaces, taking advantage of the range of technologies and power sources from the adjacent treatment works.

The site could provide high quality, sustainable work spaces to accommodate a mix of industry, with a particular focus on bio-tech businesses.

For the play aspect of the development, the strategy will incorporate active design and access to nature, including public art and design features as well as enabling integration with surrounding woodland.

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Luke Axe, planning manager at Keyland Developments Ltd, said: “We had an incredibly positive and productive first consultation session where the team took a range of comments and insights from the attendees and opened dialogue about the future of this important site.

“Our primary goal with Esholt is to create a development of excellence which will he heralded for its sustainable practice and innovative uses, ultimately standing as a leading example of ‘positive living’.

“We take our responsibility to regenerate this site very seriously and have employed an outstanding team of experts to work closely with the range of stakeholders to develop a responsible masterplan.

“We have the opportunity to deliver a host of economic, social and environmental benefits through homes, employment and open space.”

Further consultation events are scheduled for today from 2pm to 4pm, and from 6pm to 8apm, at Esholt Sports and Leisure Club in the village.

Register to attend the event by logging on to esholtpositiveliving.co.uk.