THORNTON'S proposed gas power station looks set to become a reality after Wyre Borough Council approved developer Canatxx's application.

The planning sub-committee raised no objections to the plan, which will use existing space on the ICI Hillhouse site.

The proposed station will be built on a modular basis, including a core building and two power halls stemming from it.

Each power hall will have an 80m high vent stack and the north of the site will house 26.5m high cooling towers for the site.

There are provisions for a further three power halls, but planning has not been sought for them yet.

Canatxx's plans take into account the local sites of specific scientific interest and biological heritage.

But the final say rests with the Government which may pull the plug on many proposed gas powered stations. Alan Dawkins, a councillor for the Bourne Ward and chairman of the planning sub-committee, said: "Safety has been one of the main concerns but I do not think there's any real problem.

"The gas will be stored a few hundred feet below the station - in a petrol station, the petrol is only a few feet below the floor."

"It will bring a lot of prosperity to the region. When it's finished, it will be a big, big project - it's probably the biggest on the coast."

Reg Allen, a councillor for the Park ward, mirrored those feelings: "My view is that it will be very good for the borough. It will be a great boost and I've never met people as safety conscious as those on the ICI Hillhouse estate."

Canatxx will continue to consult Wyre Borough Council to ensure compliance with planning, environmental, health and safety issues which must meet with full approval.

If the plan goes ahead, 350 construction jobs and 35 permanent positions will be created.

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