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Advice to Groveport Logistics Ltd

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Enquiry

From
Groveport Logistics Ltd
Date advice given
29 June 2012
Enquiry type
Email

We write as the directors of Groveport Logistics Limited, the owners and operators of Groveport, being a large port complex on the River Trent. We consider ourselves to be a significant Humber port and, as such, we are extremely concerned that we have not been consulted whatsoever in respect of the above proposal.

Having heard very brief details in the local media and then discussed this matter with fellow port operators, it has become apparent in recent days that this proposal goes much further than a single use facility in respect of offshore wind technology. Having read some of the representations on the website, it is apparent that we have severe grounds for concern.

Having not been consulted, we have not had the opportunity to consider this in full detail, take appropriate professional advice and then make a detailed representation. However, we wish to register our interest and concern at the earliest opportunity and to be included in any future correspondence.

We intend to take professional advice and then submit a detailed representation, but let us make clear now that our main concern is that the proposed Development Consent Order and related documents appear to facilitate the development of a considerable general purpose port facility that could be disastrous to existing port operators in the Humber area.

Having read some of the representations filed online, it appears that the Environmental Statement assesses the proposed development as an exclusively wind energy facility, but the Development Consent Order does not apply this restriction. If this is the case then it would appear that the Wind Energy element of the proposal is being used to counteract environmental concerns that a proposed general purpose port development would undoubtedly encounter.

Please acknowledge receipt of this email and our inclusion in the attendance list for the Specific Issue Hearing on Thursday 12th July 2012.

Advice given

For the purposes of this examination you are not defined as a statutory party who is able to apply to become an Interested Party following an invitation by the Examining Authority (see s.89(2A) of the Planning Act 2008 (PA2008)) nor do you have an interest in the land as defined by s.102(B) of PA2008. Finally, as you did not register a relevant representation during the registration period you are not an Interested Party by virtue of that process.

As a result of the above, any representation you submit to the examination will not be a Written Representation. Despite this it will be published on our website although it will include a note making it clear that it does not have the formal status of a Written Representation. I can confirm that it will be made available to the Panel and, should they consider it necessary, they may ask questions in relation to it.

With regard to the hearing scheduled for 12 July to discuss the draft Development Consent Order I can confirm that you have the right to attend the meeting and have noted your intention to attend. You should however note that this is subject to ensuring that all Interested Parties are accommodated first and that you do not have a formal right to speak at the hearing. Finally, I should advise you that you will need to ensure you monitor our website for details of the hearing and examination itself; please follow this link - http://infrastructure.planningportal.gov.uk/projects/Yorkshire%20and%20the%20Humber/Able-Marine-Energy-Park/