Printer Friendly
Email a Friend
Councillors Haunt 'Ghost Ship' Plans
01 Oct 2006
The latest twist in the long running tale of the UK’s ‘Ghost Ships’ unfolded earlier this month when members of Hartlepool Council’s Planning Committee refused applications for the development of Able UK’s Teesside Environmental Reclamation and Recycling Centre (TERRC), where the company proposes to dismantle the derelict American military transport ships.
After a four hour meeting, councillors rejected three planning applications and a hazardous substances consent despite planning officials’ recommendation for approval.
Able UK has a contract to dismantle up to 13 Ghost Ships at its Graythorpe facility. The first of four ships arrived on the River Tees in November 2003 following towage from America which drew international attention. Environmentalists and some councillors have expressed concern over hazardous substances on board the ships which include oils, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, lead, chromium and cadmium. Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Edna Wright said she did not want Hartlepool to become the toxic waste dumping ground of Britain.
Able UK has carried out extensive environmental impact assessments for the site. The company wants to extend TERRC to accommodate ship building, ship breaking and ship repair as well as metal recycling and wind turbine manufacturing facilities.
Able UK chairman Peter Stephenson said, ‘Obviously we are very disappointed that as a result of today’s decision we face a further delay in our plans for making full use of the potential for TERRC which is undoubtedly one of the best sites in Europe to meet the growing demand for environmentally acceptable facilities for marine recycling, whether ships or other structures such as oil & gas platforms. ‘It is in the interests of Hartlepool, the wider Teesside area and indeed the UK as a whole that we do not miss the opportunity to establish our area as a centre of excellence for marine recycling technology and the development of wind power. ‘What should be remembered is that the Council’s own officers, as well as bodies such as the Hartlepool Economic Forum, have stressed that this facility offers an opportunity to develop a world class centre for an industry which is set to expand rapidly in the years ahead. We have the facilities, the skills and expertise to undertake this work and it is an industry which the UK Government has made clear it wants to see established in the UK.
‘We will clearly have to consider the issues very carefully after the outcome of today’s meeting but one thing is clear, we will be lodging an appeal.’
MJ Information No: 22329
