PLANS to turn a former colliery site into an £80 million renewable energy park have been revealed.

Peel Environmental is planning to build a plant which recovers energy from breaking down waste food, as well as a timber resource recovery centre which breaks down waste wood.

The plants will be side by side on the former Houghton Main Colliery site off Park Spring Road near Little Houghton, between Darfield and Grimethorpe.

Both plants will generate up to 23MW of electricity - enough to power about 55,000 homes - as well as heat, which could potentially be sold to nearby businesses.

It will create 30 jobs once up and running, as well as up to 200 jobs during the construction period, which could last up to two years.

Jane Gaston, development manager at Peel Environmental, said: "The energy park would be the next chapter in energy generation at Houghton Main.

"Our plans would also deliver substantial investment in Barnsley, create around 230 new jobs and offer opportunities for local suppliers and traders to benefit."

The firm has been meeting local residents and is holding two public information days at Sandhill Golf Club on March 12 and 13 from 2pm to 8pm.