Members of the Planning Committee will be considering an application later today for a proposed ‘hydrogen energy production and marine refuelling facility’ on Ventnor’s esplanade.
The proposal application refers to a piece of open land to the east of the Cheetah Marine yard on the seafront. Submitted by ITM Power Ltd, the application includes a new boundary wall and fencing, extending the Cheetah Marine yard by 82 square metres.
Permission is sought for the use of the site as an electrolyser based refueller to enable low-carbon hydrogen to be produced for use as a vehicle fuel – to refuel a 9m Cheetah Test Catamaran. This would be for a 12 month trial to ‘showcase the technology’.
Planning officers have recommended Conditional Permission with the report stating,
It is considered that the proposal for the energy production and marine refuelling facility would be in keeping with the area, being for the refuelling of a boat within an extension to the marina site.
The proposal would promote and use renewable technologies which is supported by Policies SP6 and DM16 of the Island Plan as part of the Island’s commitment to the reduction in carbon emissions.
There are no immediate neighbouring properties and it is noted that the Health and Safety Executive has raised no objections to the proposal.
Full details of the application can be found on the council’s planning website.
Update 27th November:
Members of the committee gave conditional permission.
