Humber Energy Park dispute talks begin

THE dispute surrounding the £450m Able Marine Energy Park (AMEP) plans will  start to be considered in Westminster today, as the group warns that enforced compromise would end the development and the creation of thousands of new jobs.

The Able Marine Energy Park was granted approval almost a year ago. The site in Immingham is part of the UK’s largest Enterprise Zone with the potential to create up to 4,000 jobs and is planned to cover 906 acres, providing 1,279 metres of quayside facilities purpose built for the manufacture, assembly and installation of offshore renewable technologies.

Earlier this year, port operator ABP filed two petitions to Parliament seeking a compromise on the energy park. The park involves the compulsory purchase of a triangle of land owned by ABP, which objected, as it wants to build a new jetty in the same place.

Today, a joint parliamentary committee will begin to consider ABP’s petitions against the Development Consent Order for AMEP authorised by the Secretary of State for Transport.

Able group development director Neil Etherington said: “No-one should be under any illusion that an enforced ‘compromise’ of the kind ABP is arguing for would lead to the abandonment of AMEP, the loss of the anticipated 4,000 plus jobs and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform the economy of the entire area, as well as establishing the UK as a world leader in renewable energy developments.”

Able said the Special Parliamentary Procedure under which ABP is petitioning, has actually been abolished and AMEP is the last project to go through the process.

“The reason Parliament abolished this process is to avoid precisely what ABP are now seeking to do – delay or overturn  a vital, much-needed development and keep a monopoly on the River Humber,” Etherington said.

The committee hearing marks the third round of the planning process.

Etherington added: “The first was the lengthy and hugely detailed examination and the recommendation of the Planning Inspectorate to approve the plans, including the compulsory acquisition of the so-called ‘Killingholme Triangle’ which ABP now argues is so ‘crucial’ to their future.

“Round two saw the Secretary of State authorise the permission, again agreeing to the acquisition. What’s more the Secretary of State was aware of ABP’s proposal for the Immingham Deep Water Jetty but considered that ‘it is not certain that the IWDJ will proceed or that it must occupy the Triangle site.”

The Triangle has been zoned for industrial development since the mid-1950s and under ownership of ABP since 1967.

Speaking in April when the Parliament agreed to review objections made by ABP,  an ABP spokesperson said: “ABP are pleased with the decision that it is right for Parliament to review Able UK’s plans for AMEP. 
 
“We also welcome the view expressed by the committee chairman at the hearing that both parties should work to reach a compromise as soon as possible.

“The decision is undoubtedly a positive step forward and can now pave the way for a compromise to be agreed that will successfully deliver both AMEP and ABP’s Immingham Western Deepwater Jetty without further delay.    
 
“ABP’s compromise proposal will not threaten any of the jobs Able UK hopes to create. 
 
“Developing both projects will deliver the best result for the Humber economy as a whole and the largest number of jobs for the region. 
 
“A compromise will also ensure the Port of Immingham, the UK’s largest port, will be able to continue to grow, increasing its vital contribution both to the economy and to national energy security.
 
“A compromise is the right outcome for the Humber and we urge Able UK to come to the table and work with us as quickly as possible.”