National Grid today (Friday 26 February) submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate against the refusal of planning permission for a Pressure Reduction Installation (PRI) at land adjacent to Flat Farm, Tirley in Gloucestershire.
The application was considered by Tewkesbury Borough Council's Planning Committee on 02 February 2010. It was refused despite the Council’s planning officers recommending approval of the application.
National Grid’s Major Projects Manager David Mercer said: “We were very disappointed at the Planning Committee’s refusal of our application to build this essential Pressure Reduction Installation (PRI), particularly as we worked so hard to address the landscaping and environmental considerations with Tewkesbury Borough Council's Planning Officers, which led them to recommend our application for approval.
“The Secretary of State has previously very clearly acknowledged the national importance and urgency for the construction of a PRI in the vicinity of the existing Tirley Above Ground Installation that will allow the Milford Haven gas pipeline to run at its full capacity, efficiently and economically, enabling it to carry up to 20% of the UK's supplies.
“Having carefully considered the reasons for refusal and in view of the national importance of the PRI, we have decided to appeal.”
-Ends-
Further information from Caroline Davidson, Project Communications on 07785 254696