Over Taylor Biggs

In September 2008, Plymouth City Council rejected (by a deciding vote of the Chairman of the Planning Committee) proposals promoted by Cattedown Regeneration to build 40,000ft² of offices and workshops at Neptune Park.  The project was reportedly of £34 million in value and regarded as a key part of the East End Regeneration programme in the city.  

The site is within 400 yards of oil storage tanks.  The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advised against the grant of Planning Permission, altering its recommendation from "cautious advice against" to "advice against".  Concerns were expressed at the Planning Committee hearing that if a disaster were to occur, the possibility of corporate manslaughter proceedings against the Planning Committee could not be ruled out. 

This decision was much to the consternation of the Developer, who felt that ultimately planning decisions were now being made by the HSE.  This was despite safety improvements designed to prevent spillage (as occurred at Buncefield) having been made at the adjacent Plymouth storage facility.

In October, a hearing of the called-in Planning Application made by Surrey County Cricket Club for the development of the Oval Cricket Ground is to be held.  The application provides for a 168 bedroom hotel and a new stand with 1,830 additional seats.  The Ground is renowned for the backdrop of the substantial gasometers that are less than 300m away. 

The HSE has argued that these pose an unacceptable risk to public safety and argue that the enhanced interest as a result of the Buncefield fire justifies their stance.  The Club's first Planning Application was rejected by Lambeth Borough Council in October 2007 but a second Application was approved in January 2008, contrary to the advice given by the HSE.  The Executive has admitted that although the risk of a major accident is small, they feel for planning purposes that the risk to those in the vicinity of the hazardous installation must be considered.

The Club has countered that the new Stand will give greater protection to occupants than exists at present.  The hotel walls will offer sufficient protection to guests.  It is alleged that the HSE has not supported its contentions by any technical evidence of the effects of the alleged greater risk.

Clearly, the development is of importance for the Oval in order to retain its status as a venue for international cricket.  Many will, therefore, be looking at the outcome of the Oval inquiry with interest.