 The ghost ships in Hartlepool could be left in limbo after a shock objection by the Environment Agency. The green watchdog today said it had decided to oppose the scheme due to "a lack of information" in an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out as part of the application. Able UK has expressed its "surprise and frustration" at the latest position over the assessment first submitted in January. The company wants to use the Graythorp site in Hartlepool for the construction, repair, refurbishment and decommissioning of the ships, and for manufacturing wind turbines. It also hopes to build and repair the quays, create a cofferdam and dock gates, and fit rail track. A big public consultation was done to gauge residents' support for the scheme. But a decision by Hartlepool Council could be delayed until further information is provided. The agency wants more details on whether the plans include wet and dry docking, a more detailed mitigation plan outlining the impact of the proposals and the impact on nearby wildlife habitats. Craig McGarvey, area manager for the agency, said: "There must be minimum impact on the environment and at this stage, the application does not demonstrate this." Chairman and chief executive of Able UK Peter Stephenson said the company is "frustrated" by the announcement. "I have to say that it is very surprising indeed that, having had such a long period to consider the application, the agency is taking this position at this stage - especially given that we commissioned two of the largest and very experienced environment consultants in Europe to undertake the EIA. "It took around a year to complete and the agency was consulted and information was provided to them during the assessment period." A spokesman for Hartlepool Council said Able UK has the option to submit further information to the council. Mr Stephenson confirmed they will examine the agency's concerns but added that two of the issues have already been answered and one is not relevant to the application. "This leaves their statement that a more detailed mitigation plan is required, yet this has never been mentioned to us until now," he said. | 
