The Government's decision to dismiss Nirex's planning appeal against Cumbria County Council's refusal of planning permisssion for a Rock Characterisation Facility was hailed today as a major environmental victory for Friends of the Earth (FOE). FOE has been fighting the proposals for a nuclear dump in Gosforth, Cumbria, for the past eight years and played a major role in the public inquiry. The rejection of Nirex's proposals is the first time that the nuclear industry in the UK has lost an application for planning permission.

Dr Rachel Western, Senior Nuclear Officer at Friends of the Earth, said:

"Throughout its history the nuclear industry has ridden roughshod over issues of public health and safety. The rejection by the Government of Nirex's scientific and technical case has fully vindicated Friends of the Earth's research programme and delivered an historic victory for the environmental movement. The future of Nirex must now be in doubt."

Apart from issues connected with safety and the environment, FOE has also questioned the economic case for the Nirex nuclear dump. This month, FOE published a report [1]demonstrating that other investment options in Cumbria would generate greater job opportunities than Nirex at less expense.

Charles Secrett, Executive Director of Friends of the Earth, said:

"This decision makes sense for public safety, the environment and the taxpayer. This is the first time that the nuclear industry has lost a public inquiry in the UK and shows that Friends of the Earth's twenty-five year campaign against the industry is now approaching final victory. The environmental movement has given the nuclear industry a bloody nose from which it will not recover."

NOTES FOR EDITORS
[1] The Economic and Employment Impacts of Alternative Investment Scenarios for the West Cumbrian Economy, ECOTEC Research and Consulting Ltd