Local Authority Councillors in Medway, Kent have voted in favour of building a coal-fired power station, the first in the UK for over 20 years.

The controversial planning application to build two modern generation ‘clean’ coal units was made by E.ON UK. The new coal units are to be built in Kingsnorth, Rochester.

Although the plan is controversial, E.ON state that they would be simply replacing an existing old technology station with one that is 20% cleaner and that they are committed to reducing carbon emissions.

The new plant will also utilise carbon sequestration technologies to store captured carbon in depleted North Sea oilfields. RICS has carried out research into coal sequestration through the MWM faculty and the faculty is also about to finalise a major research project on ‘Planning for Energy’ which highlights many of the issues around energy projects (in particular renewable energy) with regards to planning and regional plans.

Although Medway council does not have the authority to grant final permission, the council was asked to give its views on the project. Medway is also one of a number of proposed sites for large scale housing development in the South East of England.