To present the objection to this proposal for approval

1.1 The Gateway gas storage development is a proposal to construct 20 large caverns in the salt layer of the seabed approximately 24 km from the coast at Fleetwood. The purpose of the caverns is to provide long term storage for vast quantities of gas so that the UK has adequate energy reserves for the future.

1.2 The Environmental statement for the development was published in October 2007 and officers prepared a response which was submitted to Defra to meet the consultation deadline of 31 January 2008.

1.3 On its own this development would not pose a major hazard for fisheries in the District and would not result in a significant loss of valuable fishing ground. However, coupled with all the wind energy development programmes, cables and pipelines in the area, the gas storage development would be a further serious blow to the fishing industry and would result in economic damage and further loss of fishing vessels and jobs would result. The impacts on the industry would result from loss of fishing grounds and increased navigational hazards restricting vessel access to the ports of Fleetwood and Barrow. The cumulative impacts of more and more developments in the coastal waters off these ports do not appear to be considered by the Developers or the Government consenting bodies.

1.4 Therefore, despite the obvious national importance of this project, Officers considered that it was necessary to respond with an objection to the proposal as attached at Annex A.

1.5 The response was submitted to Defra to meet the January deadline for responses. However, if the Committee wishes to modify the response, an amending letter will be sent following the March 14 meeting.