A PUBLIC inquiry to hear appeals by Able UK over plans to dismantle so-called ghost ships in the region will get under way in just over three weeks.

The inquiry will be held in the conference centre at Hartlepool College of Further Education, starting on Tuesday, October 9, at 10am.

Earlier this year, Hartlepool Borough Council's planning committee decided not to challenge the appeals by the company, which wants to carry out the work at its Graythorpe site, in Hartlepool.

The main application covers a range of proposals to develop the site, including construction, repair, refurbishment and decommissioning of all types of ships, vessels and other craft, and the manufacture of wind turbines.