E.ON has submitted a further information update to the existing onshore planning application for its proposed Whitehill gas storage facility to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

The move follows a public consultation and information day which gave local communities the opportunities to view the updated details of the plans that were initially submitted in January 2007, with permission being granted on 18th October 2007 subject to completion of legal agreements.

Commenting on the revised submission, Project Manager Cindy St James said: "At every stage we've been as open and transparent as possible and as things progress we'll ensure this continues.


"As a result we've reflected the changes made to local council policy and have made reference to the newly consented projects near Whitehill in our updated Environmental Statement. We've also made a minor change to the site boundary and have considered new arrangements for beach access for the offshore works.

"The importance of ensuring we have adequate gas storage facilities in the UK cannot be understated and along with our development in Cheshire, Whitehill will play a crucial part in ensuring that energy supplies can be kept not only secure but affordable too."

The Whitehill gas storage project will consist of 10 underground storage caverns which will be built nearly 2km below the surface. The proposed gas processing plant will be built at Whitehill Farm, which was chosen for its natural screening.

Extensive landscaping proposals are included in the application to help screen the plant and provide significant ecological and environmental benefit to the area. A traffic management plan will also be produced in partnership with the council and local community if consent is given to the revised project.

(CD/GK)