Project information
About the project
Type of application: Underground Gas Storage Facilities
Name of applicant: Halite Energy Group Ltd
Underground gas storage facility to store gas in, extract gas from and inject gas into, with a total storage capacity up to 900 million standard cubic metres and working capacity of up to 600 million cubic metres, both specified at standard temperatures and pressures, comprising: (i) up to 19 operational caverns formed by solution mining of the Preesall halite deposit all to be constructed to any extent downwards below 220 metres below ground surface and to be confined in the Preesall halite deposit. (ii) 7 multiple wellhead compounds to create the underground salt caverns and, once operational, to connect the gas manifolds. (iii) Gas Compressor Compound comprising pig launchers and receivers; slug catchers; above ground high.
View the developer's websiteProject stage
This project is at the post-decision stage.
This application was refused on 17 July 2015.
Pre-application
Completed
This is where the applicant starts to create their application. The applicant is required to consult with people and organisations in the area. They must also create detailed documents about the impact the project could have on the environment.
It is important to get involved at this stage to influence the application before the applicant sends it to the Planning Inspectorate.
Find out what you can do at this stage and check our detailed guides.
Acceptance
Completed
This is when the applicant sends us their application documents. We check if we can accept the application for examination. We have 28 days to make this decision.
How the acceptance stage works and what happens next.
Pre-examination
Completed
The Examining Authority is appointed and is made up of one or more inspectors. Anyone who wants to have their say needs to register at this stage.
The applicant must publish that the application has been accepted by us. They include when and how parties can register to get involved. The time period for registering is set by the applicant but must be no less than 28 days.
The pre-examination stage usually takes about 3 months.
What happens during the pre-examination stage.
Examination
Completed
The Examining Authority will ask questions about the proposed development. The applicant and anyone who has registered to have their say can get involved and submit comments at each deadline in the timetable. You can also attend hearings that may take place. This stage takes up to 6 months.
What happens at the examination stage?
Recommendation
Completed
The Examining Authority writes its recommendation report. This must be completed and sent to the relevant Secretary of State within 3 months of the end of examination stage.
Making a recommendation.
Decision
Completed
The decision stage is when the relevant Secretary of State then reviews the report and makes the final decision. They have 3 months to make a decision.
Who makes the final decision.
What happens after the decision is made
Once the Secretary of State has made a decision, challenges can be made to the High Court. All procedures must be followed when making a challenge. The High Court will decide if there are grounds for a judicial review.
This must happen within 6 weeks.
What you can do after the decision has been made.Project location
Preesall Saltfield, Over Wyre, Lancashire.
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Contact us
Telephone
If you have an interested party number, have it with you when you call.
Telephone: 0303 444 5000
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Closed on weekends and bank holidays.
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