Drax Power (Drax), the developer of the Heron renewable energy plant, has announced North Lincolnshire Council has decided not to object to its application for a 290MW biomass-fired power station that will provide enough green energy to meet the needs of 512,000 homes. The North Lincolnshire Planning Committee voted unanimously to back the proposal in their response to the Department of Energy and Climate Change.
Marvin Seaman, project manager at Drax, said "We are exceptionally pleased that the area planning committee voted in favour of the development. We believe the site is in an ideal location and we know that the proposal has strong backing from the local community. The project will bring many benefits to the local business and residents in the Immingham and South Killingholme areas."
The proposal is to site the Heron renewable energy plant near the western entrance at the Port of Immingham on land that is designated for commercial and industrial use. The vote by the Planning Committee clears the way for the Department of Energy and Climate Change to make the ultimate decision on whether the proposal gains planning consent. The energy minister is expected to make the announcement later this year following final scrutiny of all aspects of the scheme.
Seaman added: "We are very pleased with the public endorsement received for our plans to develop a renewable energy plant. The feedback we received shows that support for the project has grown and we continue to enjoy constructive dialogue with stakeholders in the region."
Local MP Shona McIsaac said: "This is fantastic news. Our area is already one of this country's biggest energy producers and this initiative will put us at the forefront of renewable energy generation. The project will create hundreds of jobs in the construction phase as well as full-time jobs when the energy plant is completed. In addition to giving the local economy a real boost, this project has the benefit of using renewable resources which helps to reduce carbon emissions. Great news all round."
If planning consent is granted, construction will begin in 2012 and it is expected that the new plant will begin generating electricity in 2015. Up to 850 construction jobs and 150 operational jobs will be created.