A PROPOSED storage and distribution centre for bottled gas can go ahead near Workington after planning permission was granted this week despite local objections.

Members of Cumberland Council’s planning committee met at The Copeland Centre on Wednesday (November 27) to consider two separate applications for the development at a site at Discovery Park, Lillyhall.

As well as the storage and distribution centre, the first application was for two single-storey prefabricated modular cabins for administrative use, the siting of one liquid nitrogen tank, new access road arrangement, associated parking, lighting, landscaping and engineering works.

The second application was for advertisement consent associated with the first application to relocate the existing totem sign at British Oxygen Company’s (BOC’s) present location at Cleator Moor which was proposed to be relocated and erected on the grassed verge next to the new BOC site entrance.

Rebecca Wilson, a council planning officer, told members that carbon dioxide, oxygen, welding gases and nitrogen would be stored at the site which would be surrounded by a fence.

A local resident who lives near the site said there were noise issues, concerns  for safety and wildlife associated with the development. He told members that the area was home to bats and red squirrels.

Chris Johnson, a spokesman for the developer, said they were currently operating at a Leconfield site with no issues and the redevelopment of the brown field site would result in a net gain in biodiversity.

Ms Wilson told members that the site was 65m from the nearest residential properties and when the two applications were put to the vote they were both unanimously approved, as had been recommended by officers.