Ghost ship plans are 'considered'

Four of the vessels are currently moored in Hartlepool

The Environment Agency says it is looking closely at controversial plans to dismantle former US naval ships in a Teesside dock.

Hartlepool-based Able UK has submitted planning applications for the development of its Graythorp yard.

Dismantling the so-called 'ghost ships' would involve the building of three new quays, a construction area and a dry dock gate.

Public consultation sessions on the plans are currently underway.

Green campaigners, including Friends of the Earth, claim the vessels contain high levels of toxins.

'Human health'

But Able UK says it can handle the vessels safely and that the contract could create a £30m a year business, generating at least 200 new jobs.

People are able to see the application at the Environment Agency offices in Hartlepool and Thornaby.

Bob Pailor, the agency's area environment manager, said: "We are now happy that we have enough information to start to assess the application.

"We will be looking at all aspects of it to ensure that the proposal would not cause a detrimental effect on the environment or human health and we will take into account issues raised during the consultation."