A BID for a judicial review into LNG planning consents at Milford Haven, has been dismissed as legally out of time.

The application by members of the Safe Haven group hoped to quash the existing planning consents, for new risk assessments to be carried out.

But, on Friday, a High Court judge in London gave a verbal ruling dismissing the application.

Developers and Pembrokeshire County Council claimed challenges should have been made last year, whereas this application was only lodged with the court in March.

Safe Haven spokesman Gordon Main said: "Obviously we are very disappointed.

"The issue of public safety is far too important to be fudged over some legal technicality."

He said the central issue of whether it was safe to bring LNG into Milford Haven was yet to be addressed.

The group is now deciding whether to go to the Court of Appeal.

Preseli MP Stephen Crabb welcomed the judge's decision, saying it would remove the legal uncertainty surrounding the projects.

"I hope a line can now be drawn underneath the arguments and the developers can be allowed to get on with the important work at hand," he said.

A spokesman for Dragon LNG said they were very pleased with the outcome and were confident their application had been made in accordance with planning laws.

South Hook LNG also welcomed the High Court decision.

A spokesman said: "Safety has been, and will remain, South Hook's number one priority." It expects first gas deliveries will be made to schedule in 2007.

Both companies recognise that concerns still exist and are prepared to work with local people to allay these.

Mr Justice Sullivan was expected to give his full, reasoned decision yesterday afternoon (Tuesday).