'Hazard' fertiliser plan approved

Ammonium nitrate is already stored in warehouses at Shoreham

Controversial plans to increase storage of a farm fertiliser which is also used in bombs have been approved.

Adur councillors voted in favour of the plans to store 2,800 tonnes of ammonium nitrate in warehouses at Shoreham Port - an increase from 1,000 tonnes.

The substance is classed as hazardous and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommended refusal.

But Councillor Julie Searle backed the decision saying: "This is low grade ammonium nitrate used for fertiliser."

"There is always a risk - whatever you are doing with chemicals you must make sure you store it correctly," Ms Searle said.

AMMONIUM NITRATE - THE FACTS Millions of tons produced each year for use as fertiliser Sales of the fertiliser are tightly restricted in the EU Mining companies mix small amounts of explosive grade ammonium nitrate with fuel oil to create explosives Used in several IRA bombings Also used in the Bali and Oklahoma City bombings Source: New Scientist What is ammonium nitrate?

The port will store the ammonium nitrate brought in by sea before it is taken on to farmers by road.

It has said its security systems exceed the legal national requirements.

Sussex Police raised no objection and an officer from the National Anti-Terrorist Unit who inspected the site said there were no security issues.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service did not object, but said that if a fire occurred, it would treat it as a "potential explosive situation".

Councillor Janet Mockridge said she feared the restrictions would not allay people's fears, however remote the risk from the chemical.