Simec Atlantis makes Planning Inspectorate submission over Uskmouth project

The AIM-traded firm said the SOC is a routine part of the 'call in' process, and addressed the matters raised in the 'call in' decision letter.

It said the Newport City Council (NCC) planning case officer previously recommended approval of planning permission for the Uskmouth project.

The SOC refers to the content of the planning officer's report, highlighting that planning permission was not being sought for the conversion itself, as a change in the fuel source from coal to waste-derived pellets did not require planning permission, and there was no change of use of the existing power station as its primary purpose would be thermal combustion to generate electricity.

Additionally, it said the SOC confirmed that the Uskmouth Power Station in planning terms remained an existing thermal combustion electricity generating station.

“The fuel pellets are specially engineered and manufactured to enable operations to continue at the Uskmouth power station for the primary purpose of generating electricity,” the board said in its statement.

“There is no direct link between the operation of Uskmouth Power Station and the management of mixed municipal and residual wastes.”

From a technical planning perspective, Simec Atlantis said there were no objections from statutory consultees to prevent the proposals to bring the electricity generating power station back into operation.

“The next step in the 'call in' process is for the Planning Inspectorate to conduct a review of the environmental statement for the Uskmouth Conversion Project, and Simec Atlantis Energy is looking forward to feedback in due course.”

At 1533 BST, shares in Simec Atlantis Energy were up 33.23% at 8.19p.