The Secretary of State of the Department of Energy and Climate Change has refused permission for Halite Energy Group's project to store gas in up to 19 underground caverns in the Preesall Saltfield.

The decision was issued on 9th of April and a six week period for any legal challenges is now underway.

The letter setting out the reasons for the decision can be viewed on the Planning Inspectorate web site (click here)

Part of the Secretary of State's summary says:-

"In reaching his decision, the Secretary of State has considered the strategic need case for the Development and other potential benefits and impacts of the Development as set out in the Examining Authority's report.

"In his view, there is a clear gap in geological data contained in the application which means that Halite have failed to demonstrate the suitability of the geology at the site for salt cavern storage.

"The Secretary of State considers that the absence of such an essential element of the project bears heavily on his decision."

 

All the relevant reports, letters, etc about the proposed scheme can be found on the National Infrastructure Planning web site (click here)