Over Taylor Biggs

At the Planning Inquiry, the HSE indicated it wanted to see a credible evacuation plan for the new proposed stand, arguing that the stands should only be used when the nearby gasometers were almost empty.  The HSE has concerns about evacuation and argued that the local planning authority had failed to consider fully or properly the HSE's earlier advice.

The HSE mentioned at the Inquiry that it has only made an application for a calling-in of a Planning Application four times in the past 30 years.  Although explosions are rare, the HSE has previously indicated that leaks from gas tanks occur four or five times a year.

The HSE introduced enlarged consultation zones in 2006 following the Buncefield oil explosion.  It is concerned that consultation zones for gasometers are being challenged by this Inquiry and does not want its underlying advice to be undermined.

A decision on the Planning Application is expected by May 2009