Last updated 07:30, Friday, 05 September 2008

A DECISION over a controversial scheme to store 4,500 tonnes of toxic herbicide at the Port of Workington will be made on Tuesday.

Cumbrian Storage wants to bring paraquat – highly toxic if inhaled and fatal if swallowed – to the port by HGV to be stored until it is exported.

Its planning application to Allerdale council has drawn several objections, including one from the authority’s valuations department, which is concerned that it could have a serious effect on its regeneration plans for the area.

The nearby Northside School has also objected because of the proximity of the storage and Workington MP Tony Cunningham objects on the grounds that he fears “the entire area will be blighted”.

Allerdale council’s development panel, which will make the final decision, has been recommended to refuse permission.

Officers say it should be turned down because of the future and existing land uses surrounding the facility must be considered.

Plans are in the pipeline to develop land around the port into a housing and leisure complex; create a sporting complex on the banks of the River Derwent; create new housing and business at Derwent Howe and transform Corus’s site into a sprawling new community.

Officers add that its storage is also likely to deter future investment in the surrounding area.

Objections have also been received from:

Natural England, which said the proposal may have a negative impact on the River Derwent;

Cumbria County Council, which said it would have an adverse effect on regeneration plans;

Workington Town rugby league club, which said it was not clear what the effects on its business would be but if there was an evacuation situation, it would leave the club – and speedway – with a “serious business interruption”;

Port Derwent Developments, which wants to transform the port;

St Michael’s Church and Friends of the Earth.

Letters of support have been sent by CPL Petroleum and Pentagon Chemicals.

In the officer’s report to councillors, it says: “The storage of paraquat dichloride at the Port of Workington is likely to deter future investment, regeneration aspirations and the provision of a sustainable community in the Workington harbour.”

Paraquat has been banned for use but not storage prior to export outside Europe from July 11, 2008.

Councillors will meet at the Oval Centre, Salterbeck, at 1pm on Tuesday to debate the application.