THE company behind the recycling of the controversial ghost ships has submitted a planning application to its local authority in a bid to get work started on the scheme.

Able UK yesterday confirmed it had submitted the application to Hartlepool Borough Council for the continued development and expansion of its TERRC (Teesside Environmental Reclamation and Recycling Centre) facility at Seaton Port Graythorp, near Hartlepool.

The application, which involves the construction of three quays, cofferdam - a watertight wall - and a dry dock gate, includes proposals for shipbuilding, ship repair and recycling.

It also covers facilities for the manufacture of wind turbine towers and blades, as well as the assembly of turbine generator units.

It is thought the £25m investment could lead to the creation of about 700 jobs.

Peter Stephenson, chief executive of Able UK, said: "It has taken over 12 months to complete the application and the environmental impact statement, which shows just how carefully and comprehensively we have approached the task.

"Whilst a great deal of attention has surrounded our wish to develop the facility as a world-class centre for ship recycling, it is important to stress that this is just one aspect of the opportunities which will be available if we are able to carry out the proposals in this planning application.

"It will, for example, provide the chance for ship and offshore construction and repair work in what will be one of the biggest dry dock facilities in Europe, as well creating a major opportunity for the Tees Valley to become a key centre in the rapidly expanding area of wind power technology."

The company won a contract in 2003 to recycle and dismantle 13 US redundant, or ghost ships.

Although the deal was met with a great deal of opposition, the first four ships arrived in October that year.

Councillor Geoff Lilley, local ward councillor and objector, said: "This application is not before time. It has gone on for 18 months and the whole thing has been a farce.

"There are no advantages it will bring to the town. There are concerns about hazardous waste and potential harm to the environment. The whole thing is a bad idea."

Friends of the Earth has said it will keep an open mind and look closely at the application, which is due to be discussed in the spring.

Hartlepool Borough Council is checking the applications from Able UK to ensure that all the necessary information has been supplied.

After that, the process of consultation with the public, relevant statutory bodies and other interested parties will begin.

This will include a series of drop-in sessions for the public at venues across the town.

Dates and venues have yet to be confirmed.