Councillors warned against delaying £100m port plans

Up to 200 ships a year could use the new bulk handling terminal on land east of Queen Elizabeth and King George Docks.

The development depends on the construction of a biomass power station by Denmark's largest power company Dong Energy, which would burn renewable fuels such as wood. The terminal would also handle coal, steel and grain.

Ports operator Associated British Ports, which owns the land, is seeking a Harbour Revision Order to allow the building of a new jetty, with cranes and hoppers, a conveyor and storage facilities, as well as a new railway loop and access road. A successful order exempts them from needing planning permission.

Hull Council has been asked for its formal response and officers are recommending that it raises no objections at a meeting next Tuesday, but asks for a number of points to be addressed, including limiting the impact on neighbours.

Officials state: "Perhaps the most important planning concern is the effect of the construction and operation of the facility on the amenity of residents. The facility should be designed to ensure that there is no reduction in residential amenity."

Officials say the construction of the jetty will create construction jobs as well as securing the future of the port "to take the larger ships which are becoming increasingly important."

The development would also be key in plans to bring in millions of pounds of investment to Yorkshire which is aiming to benefit from the growth of the "green" energy sector.

A decision to object could cause delay, councillors are warned, a delay which "might be substantial and potentially lead to refusal or abandonment of the project."

Hull Council leader Coun Carl Minns has already said he hopes the development will help Hull establish itself as the "green centre of the energy in the region".

The proposal is open to public consultation, before plans are submitted to the Infrastructure Planning Commission. The earliest the power station could be operating is 2016.