Bridgend council will once again try to decide on plans for the controversial Hybont hydrogen project at a special meeting scheduled for next month. The meeting on February 20 will see members of the council decide on the future of the planned hydrogen and solar energy scheme, which would be set across two sites in Bryncethin and Brynmenyn.
It is the third time a date has been set for the decision which could see a hydrogen production facility built by developers Marubeni Europower Ltd on Brynmenyn Industrial Estate. The plans would also include hydrogen storage, electrolysers, an admin building, hydrogen refuelling station, and a solar farm if eventually given the go-ahead with a separate application for hazardous substances also being considered on the day.
Officers noted the plans were still subject to a call-in request with the Welsh Government having issued a “holding direction” over them. This means unless this direction is removed Bridgend council can only reject the plans but cannot approve them. They also outlined the situation where the council could reject the plans but would only be able to say what they were minded to do in the event they wanted to approve them. For the latest Bridgend news, sign up to our newsletter here.
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An added complexity gives the council full authority to grant the hazardous substances licence but it was made clear both applications would need to be approved before the scheme can go ahead. The scale of opposition to the proposals means the meeting will include a site visit by members before they return to the council’s civic offices in Angel Street, Bridgend, to hear representations from councillors, officers, applicants, and members of the public.
Members also asked if demonstrations are expected to be held by the public on the day. Officers said they didn’t know but gave assurances the safety of councillors and officers was paramount.
The meeting was last meant to be held in October before the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) submitted a letter to Bridgend council’s planning committee a day before on the grounds of safety. However, with a new application having been handed in to the authority in December, there are hopes a decision can finally made.