A company that wants to scrap former US naval vessels on Teesside, is likely to know whether it can go ahead with the controversial project within days. Able UK wants to dismantle up to 13 so-called ghost ships at its facility in Graythorp, Hartlepool.
But the plan has been dogged by legal and planning wrangles over the environmental impact it will have on the surrounding area and wildlife.
Hartlepool Council is due to hear four planning applications on 12 October.
Earlier this year Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Ruth Kelly, decided she would not call in Able UK’s planning applications.