Project
Preesall Gas Storage
Canatxx Gas Storage Ltd
Lichfields provided planning input to support proposals at a Public Inquiry for an underground gas storage facility in Preesall Saltfield, Lancashire. The proposal comprised the construction of a series of caverns within the existing saltfield so that they may be used for the storage of up to 1.2 million tonnes of natural gas. Our role included preparing a proof of evidence, providing expert witness evidence to the Inquiry, and advising on possible planning conditions.
In addition to general land use planning matters, an innovative approach was adopted to address more specialised considerations, including the national supply of and demand for gas, the potential alternative forms of meeting any need for storage facilities as well as geology and cavern design, and safety and security issues arising from the proposal.
Lichfields won the main planning arguments dealing with extreme shortfall of gas storage, based on national energy security concerns, and on the environmental requirements of complicated industrial processes in the face of widespread local protests.
Dr Malcolm Hockaday, Senior Director, Lichfields