Construction at the Deal Farm plant has been paused as of the 19th of November, while the project team prepares the detailed Section 73a application. The new application will regularise the installation for any of the work that has already taken place, and it will include additional elements including the carbon capture technology.
We recognise that the ongoing construction of the plant and correspondence with the Council has created some concern locally, and therefore the decision was made in agreement with the Council to pause construction as quickly as possible (to ensure the safety and security of the current structures) to allow everyone to focus on the Section 73a application.
For transparency, construction has not been paused owing to any form of materials shortage. The decision to pause construction presents a challenge to the project, but fundamentally, the project team felt this was the right decision in the interests of the local community. Construction at the plant will not restart until the Council have had time to review and consider the Section 73a application.
In the meantime, the local community may see some activity on the site. This is associated with ensuring the site is safe (such as fencing works, the removal of site cabins and the delivery of security equipment). There will also be a security presence and daily essential maintenance work on installed equipment.
