Member Article

Fears over regeneration implications of Able UK decision

Hartlepool Council’s decision to reject Able UK’s application to dismantle the so-called ‘ghost ships’ at its Teesside base has prompted fears over the impact it will have on regeneration. Three planning applications and an application for Hazardous Substances Consent, which formed a vital ingredient of Able’s ship recycling and renewable energy plans, were turned down by the Council’s Planning Committee last Thursday.

Councillors refused the main application on a number of grounds including concerns about the effect on the environment, tourism, people’s health and wildlife habitats. Though the environmental debate had been raging since the first of four US naval vessels arrived on Teesside in 2003, Able’s plans had been recommended for approval by the Council’s planning officers and had been cleared by the Environment Agency and English Nature.

Councillor Rob Cook, Acting Chairman of Hartlepool Council’s Planning Committee, said: “We have had a very frank and extremely comprehensive debate regarding these applications and everyone had an opportunity to have their say. The decisions were reached after listening to all the arguments and in accordance with the full democratic process.”

The decision was met with disappointment by Regional Development Agency One NorthEast. Ian Williams, Head of Business Products at One NorthEast, said: “We are disappointed to hear that Able UK’s planning application has been refused. Able UK’s plans had the potential to create hundreds of jobs, putting to good use the skills and expertise we have here in the region. “The disposal of decommissioned vessels is a business opportunity as we know that it is a pressing worldwide problem. This application could have ensured such work was done in a safe, environmentally sensitive way.”

Able UK, which had already secured a contract dismantle up to 13 former US naval vessels imported from the James River in Virginia, USA at its Graythorp base in Hartlepool, said it would appeal the decision.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .