LNG consents challenged (From Western Telegraph)

LNG consents challenged

LEGAL steps have been taken to challenge decisions made over LNG developments in Milford Haven.

An application for a judicial review of all consents relating to both the Petroplus and South Hook projects has been lodged at the High Court of Justice in London.

Lawyers, acting on behalf of two unnamed members of pressure group, Safe Haven, made the application against Pembrokeshire County Council and the National Park Authority on Friday.

"This step is not one that has been taken lightly," said Safe Haven spokesman, Gordon Main.

"It has been taken after only careful and considered research of the way that the proposed LNG terminals and the related industrialisation of the Milford Haven Waterway have been handled."

Gordon Main said a successful review would give people and businesses the opportunity to approach the LNG developments with 'open eyes in an atmosphere of open and honest debate'.

He said: "All the High Court can do is quash the planning permission already given, but the companies will be free to re-apply for those same planning permissions."

The proposed review has been welcomed by prospective Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, Dewi Smith.

"I am heartened to see that there are individuals in our community who have the courage to stand up and demand that this whole LNG fiasco is investigated," he said.

"I have not been happy with the process from the outset, but this should have been overseen far more responsibly by our current elected representatives, who have pushed the whole thing through under the pretext of it being good for Pembrokeshire."

A spokesman for the South Hook LNG Terminal Company said it was aware of the application, but believed the decisions to grant consent for the terminal were properly made and it would therefore vigorously oppose the application.

The county council and National Park Authority confirmed on Monday that nothing had been issued against them at that time.