THE deal for Siemens to build an offshore wind turbine assembly plant in Hull has moved another step closer.
As the waiting continues over a final decision by the German engineering giant, East Riding Council leader Stephen Parnaby insists everything is now in place at a local level for it to happen.
It is just over 12 months since Hull City Council gave planning approval for the £210m redevelopment at Alexandra Dock.
Company officials are due in Hull next week for more talks with the city council and port operator Associated British Ports.
Yesterday, senior politicians at East Riding Council slotted another piece of the complex land assembly jigsaw surrounding the possible Siemens investment in place by agreeing to a local development order (LDO) covering a 200-acre site between Saltend and Paull.
Eventually, up to 2,500 jobs could be created there.
Subject to Government approval, it removes the need for planning permission to redevelop what is mostly arable land into industrial use linked to renewable energy.
The land is expected to be used by firms supplying key components for the Siemens turbines.
East Riding Council leader Councillor Parnaby said: "I am fairly certain nothing more can be done at a local level on this.
"Siemens fully understands that both ourselves and Hull City Council have done all we possibly can to make it happen.
"As I understand it, if there are any remaining obstacles, it is at national level regarding issues such as feed-in tariffs. All we can do now as a council is wait."
Alan Menzies, the council's direct of planning and economic regeneration, said the land to the east of Hedon Haven had been allocated for industrial use for at least 20 years.
It is owned by Associated British Ports and lies next to a deep water channel in the Humber.
Mr Menzies said: "Attracting a manufacturing base for the renewables sector at the Paull site is a critically important economic development opportunity.
"The provision of an LDO for the Paull site will help secure this investment by providing a clear planning framework with the certainty that the site can be developed quickly without any significant planning constraints."
The development order also maps out likely road access to the site while improved flood defence work will give additional protection to both Hedon and Paull as well as the development site itself.
Councillor Symon Fraser, cabinet portfolio holder for planning, said the specific allocation for renewable energy use would, hopefully, allay any concerns the site could one day be used for a large waste facility or even a nuclear plant.
"Hopefully, this will open up the door by laying down clear guidance to potential developers about what is required at this site.
"I don't think there can be a clearer statement than this to say that Hull and the East Riding is open for business."
