RSPB Saltholme controversial power plant plans at delayed by 'office error'

A decision on whether a controversial power plant should be allowed to adjust its noise limits has been delayed by an office error.
View from the new Saltholme Pools Hide at RSPB Satholme, Station Carew Road, StocktonView from the new Saltholme Pools Hide at RSPB Satholme, Station Carew Road, Stockton
View from the new Saltholme Pools Hide at RSPB Satholme, Station Carew Road, Stockton

Saltholme Power Limited has already got planning permission for two 49 megawatt stations off Cowpen Bewley Road, in Saltholme.

Councillors were due to vote on a bid to adjust planning conditions for the plant on July 3.

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But Stockton planning committee will have to try again after the council failed to advertise the application in the press.

The plans lodged by Statera Energy on the RSPB Saltholme reserve have sparked anger and cries of hypocrisy over noise and disturbance they could bring to nesting birds.

No fewer than 29 objections were lodged by Cowpen Bewley residents with concerns over noise, pollution and the nearby RSPB reserve.

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham is also among those with misgivings about the fresh plans.

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But the RSPB has told planners the level of noise expected would be “just within acceptable limits” and council officers have recommended the adjustment gets the green light.

Council officer Simon Grundy told the committee putting advertising applications in the local press was a legal requirement.

He said: “It means we’re not legally able to determine these applications at present.

“That process is underway – it will return to the committee if not next time, the time after that.”

The planning committee will meet again in three weeks.

A council spokesman said the mix up was the result of an “administrative error”.