Park vote scuppers LNG protest hopes (From Western Telegraph)

Park vote scuppers LNG protest hopes

THE proposed development of an LNG terminal at Milford Haven moved a step closer to reality last week, when Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority planners voted unanimously in favour of Exxon Mobil's application for the storage and handling of hazardous substances at the site.

Prior to the Park's development control committee meeting on Wednesday, public concerns over the safety of the development had been put before Assembly planning minister Carwyn Jones.

But he chose not to 'call in' the matter, scuppering protesters' hopes that plans for the LNG terminal would be delayed or possibly dismissed.

The committee had requested the presence of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) at the meeting, due to its own concerns and the degree of public interest in the development, but the organisation declined on the grounds that consent for the storage and handling of hazardous substances was a planning matter and outside its remit.

In a statement, the HSE said it would assure 'appropriate levels of safety' at the site under Health and Safety Legislation and the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations (COMAH).

COMAH regulations require the preparation of both on and off-site plans, which are regularly updated, to deal with any accidents and hazards that might occur. Exxon Mobil must now satisfy COMAH specifications or the terminal will not be given the final go-ahead.