MoreThanWaste.com - Able UK planning submissions for recycling of the "ghost" ships thrown out. (13/10/2006)

Hartlepool Council has overwhelmingly rejected all four applications from Able UK relating to the development of its Graythorp site on the outskirts of Hartlepool.

Three planning applications and an application for Hazardous Substances Consent were considered by the Council's Planning Committee at a meeting in Hartlepool Civic Centre on 12 October.

The company had earlier won a contract to dispose of 13 redundant ships from the US Marine Administration, of which 4 came to anchor at Graythorp some 3 years ago.

As far as ship disposal is concerned, these 4 are just the tip of the iceburg. 4,000 miles away on the James River in the United States, there are more than 60 rusting hulks at that location alone.

There are many locations in the third world where ship breaking takes place with little regard for environmental impacts, though no doubt the work provides vital local employment in those countries. Countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and China are involved in ship breaking activity.

There has been much publicity and in some cases exaggerated claims over the hazardous materials that the ships contain.

The Planning Applications

The main planning application covered a range of proposals to extend the current use of the site to include the construction, repair, refurbishment and decommissioning of all types of ships, vessels and other craft, and for the manufacture of wind turbines.

This application also covered a variety of other works including the construction and refurbishment of quays, the construction of a cofferdam and new dock gates, the installation of a railway track, construction and operation of metal recycling facilities and the erection of industrial and warehouse buildings.

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. The rejection came despite the fact that officers had recommended acceptance of the planning submissions.

There were three further applications: two relating specifically to alternative options for the installation of a cofferdam and an application for Hazardous Substances Consent.

The grounds on which the alternative cofferdam options were refused included concerns about the possible detrimental effect on the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Protection Area (SPA) adjacent to the application site and the potential effects on wildlife on those sites.

The grounds for refusing the Hazardous Substances Consent included concerns about the possible detrimental effects on wildlife habitats and the cumulative effect of this and other waste disposal facilities on the well-being of the local community.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Rob Cook, Acting Chairman of the 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."

Able UK has already indicated that it is taking legal advice and will likely appeal the refusal. In view of the shortage of appropriate facilities for ship dismantling, the company will have confidence in ultimately obtaining the permissions.

At the Council meeting both the company and objectors had been given the opportunity to make presentations. Among the issues put forward by Able was the creation of jobs associated with the ship dismantling activity.


	Able UK planning submissions for recycling of the "ghost" ships thrown out. (13/10/2006) Hartlepool Council has overwhelmingly rejected all four applications from Able UK relating to the development of its Graythorp site on the outskirts of Hartlepool. Three planning applications and an application for Hazardous Substances Consent were considered by the Council's Planning Committee at a meeting in Hartlepool Civic Centre on 12 October. The company had earlier won a contract to dispose of 13 redundant ships from the US Marine Administration, of which 4 came to anchor at Graythorp some 3 years ago. As far as ship disposal is concerned, these 4 are just the tip of the iceburg. 4,000 miles away on the James River in the United States, there are more than 60 rusting hulks at that location alone. There are many locations in the third world where ship breaking takes place with little regard for environmental impacts, though no doubt the work provides vital local employment in those countries. Countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and China are involved in ship breaking activity. There has been much publicity and in some cases exaggerated claims over the hazardous materials that the ships contain. The Planning Applications The main planning application covered a range of proposals to extend the current use of the site to include the construction, repair, refurbishment and decommissioning of all types of ships, vessels and other craft, and for the manufacture of wind turbines. This application also covered a variety of other works including the construction and refurbishment of quays, the construction of a cofferdam and new dock gates, the installation of a railway track, construction and operation of metal recycling facilities and the erection of industrial and warehouse buildings. 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. The rejection came despite the fact that officers had recommended acceptance of the planning submissions. There were three further applications: two relating specifically to alternative options for the installation of a cofferdam and an application for Hazardous Substances Consent. The grounds on which the alternative cofferdam options were refused included concerns about the possible detrimental effect on the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Protection Area (SPA) adjacent to the application site and the potential effects on wildlife on those sites. The grounds for refusing the Hazardous Substances Consent included concerns about the possible detrimental effects on wildlife habitats and the cumulative effect of this and other waste disposal facilities on the well-being of the local community. Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Rob Cook, Acting Chairman of the 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." Able UK has already indicated that it is taking legal advice and will likely appeal the refusal. In view of the shortage of appropriate facilities for ship dismantling, the company will have confidence in ultimately obtaining the permissions. At the Council meeting both the company and objectors had been given the opportunity to make presentations. Among the issues put forward by Able was the creation of jobs associated with the ship dismantling activity.