Plans to store 'hazardous substance' at site near Chesterfield 'pose no risk'

Avanti Gas has applied to Chesterfield Borough Council for hazardous substances consent to store up to 27 tonnes of the flammable mixture at the M1 Commerce Park, Markham Lane, Duckmanton.

Planning officers will recommend that the consent is given the go-ahead at a meeting of the council planning committee on Monday, July 13.

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Planning documents say the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has assessed the risks to the surrounding area’s population arising from the proposed operations and has

‘concluded that the risks to the surrounding population are so small’ that there are no significant reasons, on safety grounds, for refusing the consent.

The HSE said one condition should be: “The hazardous substances shall not be kept or used other than in accordance with the particulars provided on the application forms, nor outside the areas marked for storage of the substances on the plans which formed part of the application.”

The site is located within the former Markham Colliery site, at Markham Vale, in an area which has not been redeveloped for new industry and warehousing.

The nearest homes are those fronting Erin Road, located about 315 metres to the north, according to planning reports.

Documents add: “The application is submitted for a Hazardous Substances Consent for the storage of LPG of up to 24 tonnes in a vessel at yard 73 and up to three tonnes in three one tonne vessels at units 53 and 64 M1 Commerce Park.”

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