The Special Development Control Committee meeting to consider the planning application for HyBont scheduled for 17 October 2024 was unable to go ahead as planned.

This was due to further information received from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which is the regulator that ensures compliance with Health and Safety laws.

The HSE is responsible for HyBont’s permitting and licencing process when the site is operational, and we have been in discussions throughout this process.

Prior to the Special Committee Meeting, HSE submitted a letter to the council which advised against granting Hazardous Substances Consent on grounds of safety.

HSE has clarified that this is specifically regarding the arrangement and management of “moveable storage containers” on the site- in this case, this relates to tube-trailer lorries that will transport hydrogen off the site to customers.

Safety remains at the core of this project. Therefore, we welcome this important feedback and we will be continuing to work with HSE and BCBC to ensure HyBont is delivered as an industry leading facility.

Whilst these are being considered and addressed, all proposed site development and planning application processes will remain paused.