A storage and distribution centre for bottled gas can go ahead in West Cumbria after permission was granted despite objections.
Members of Cumberland Council’s planning committee met at The Copeland Centre on Wednesday to consider two separate applications for the development at a site at Discovery Park, Lillyhall, near Workington.
As well as the storage and distribution centre the first application was for two single-storey cabins for administrative use, one liquid nitrogen tank, new access roads, parking, lighting, landscaping and engineering work.
The second application was for advertisement consent associated with the first application to relocate the existing totem sign at British Oxygen Company’s present location at Cleator Moor to the grass verge next to the new BOC site entrance.
The committee was told that carbon dioxide, oxygen, welding gases and nitrogen would be stored at the site which would be surrounded by a fence.
A resident, who lives near the site, said there were noise issues, concerns for safety and wildlife associated with the development – he told members that the area was home to bats and red squirrels.
Chris Johnson, a spokesman for the developer, said they were currently operating at Leconfield Industrial Estate with no issues and the redevelopment of the brownfield site would result in a net gain in biodiversity.
Members were told that the site was 65m from the nearest residential properties and when the two applications were put to the vote they were both unanimously approved as had been recommended by officers.
