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Ghost Ships Do Not Have Planning Permission - Official
7 October 2003
Friends of the Earth is calling for the ships from the US ghost fleet to be returned to the James River in Virginia after Hartlepool Council ruled today that Able UK does not have planning permission for the construction of the dry dock needed to dismantle the ships.
This episode raises a number of serious issues, including:
- Why were the boats allowed to leave the US before planning permission had been granted?
- Why did Hartlepool announce its decision only hours after the ships departed?
- When were Able UK informed by Hartlepool Council about the absence of a valid planning consent? Was it after the ships left?
Friends of the Earth's Director, Tony Juniper said:
"These toxic ships have been allowed to leave for Britain even though Able UK does not have planning permission for the facilities needed to dismantle them here. UK authorities have been rushed into making a bad decision by commercial interests and American regulators keen to dispose of a toxic hazard. These ships must not be allowed into UK waters. They should immediately be turned back and disposed of in the USA where these toxic vessels were created. The sooner countries take responsibility for their own toxic legacies, then the sooner they will think about the long term implications of the decisions they take."
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
