Ministers set May deadline for decision on gas plant blueprints

Developers behind the contentious proposals to create one of the biggest operations of its kind in the north of England have revealed that the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has contacted them to reveal a decision will be made by the start of May.

Moorland Energy submitted blueprints to build the gas plant on the edge of the North York Moors National Park in April 2010, before the proposals were considered at a public inquiry in the autumn last year.

The company had accused North Yorkshire County Council, which is the main planning authority, of dragging its heels on making a decision on the proposed plant.

But the council’s executive member for business and environmental services, Gareth Dadd, maintained the scale of the planned development had meant a length analysis was vital.

The blueprints have caused an outcry from villagers living close to the site earmarked for the gas plant, and the council has itself formally objected to the scheme.

Coun Dadd said: “The authority took a measured approach to looking at Moorland Energy’s proposals, which is the right thing to do because it is such a major scheme which could impact significantly on the national park.

“I am heartened to learn that a timescale has been set out for when a decision will be reached, and the council will look forward to an announcement being published.

“But I would hope the planning inspector takes into consideration the views of locally elected councillors as well as those of the local communities before coming to any judgement.”

The Yorkshire Post understands that the DCLG wrote unprompted to Moorland Energy to inform the company that a decision will be made no later than May 8.

The firm’s chief executive, Lawrie Erasmus, welcomed the move, and added: “By May, it will be more than two years since we submitted the original planning application to North Yorkshire County Council and the North York Moors National Park Authority and we look forward to the matter being resolved.

“In the meantime, we hope to progress interesting opportunities that have been identified in other parts of our licence area.”

The plant had been initially expected to cost £50m, but it is understood that the price has escalated significantly because of the delays. The county council is the main planning authority, although the North York Moors National Park Authority is also involved.

However, the scale of the proposed development meant that it was considered at a public inquiry in October and November.

The well-head would be within the confines of the park, while the main gas plant would be outside near Thornton-le-Dale.

The gas plant is aimed at generating enough gas every day to meet the annual energy requirements of up to 1,600 homes.

Moorland Energy has stressed every effort will be made to ensure the proposed development does not impact on the environment. But a campaign group, Against Having Sour Gas in Thornton (Aghast), has collected more than 10,000 signatures on a petition opposing the plans.

Meanwhile, Moorland Energy announced yesterday that it has appointed a new chairman who will help push forward the Ryedale Gas Project.

Alex Lambie has succeeded Norrie Stanley as the company chairman after he joined the Moorland Energy board in March last year as a non-executive director. He is also the chairman of Welsh Power Group Limited, and has more than 25 years of experience in the energy industry. Mr Stanley will remain on the company board as a non-executive director.

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