Robert Marshall-Andrews

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Coal fired Power Station at Kingsnorth - MP writes to Minister supporting the call to hold a public enquiry

Medway Council has approved the planning application to replace the coal fired Power Station at Kingsnorth.  Refusal would have automatically led to a public enquiry.

Bob Marshall-Andrews reports, “I have taken a considerable interest in this matter and have been in contact with the applicant company (E-ON), the Secretary of State, the council and objectors, notably Greenpeace.

“My main reservations are: Environmental - CO2 emissions from the new coal fired plant is only marginally improved on the current one: Political - as China builds a new fossil fuelled station a week the UK should lead by example: and Economic - there have been some developments (including the possibility and no more) that the new power station will be capable of providing some combined heat and power, however crucial matters such as carbon capture & storage have simply not been resolved.”

Bob added, “I give my full support for the call to hold a public enquiry on the non-provision of carbon capture & storage and actions that will allow combined heat and power to be provided to nearby communities.  The proposed Thames Gateway new community development, the size of a market town, at Chattenden is only matter of 3 to 4 miles away from Kingsnorth.”