M18 link road support for power station

The scheme is proposed as part of the plans to create a clean coal power station and industrial park next to the site of the re-opening Hatfield Colliery. It would see the site linked to junction five of the motorway.

But until now the scheme had been opposed by both the Highways Agency and the Environment Agency.

Now the scheme has the agreement of both organisations and goes before Doncaster Council's planning committee on Tuesday with a recommendation that it is given the green light to proceed.

The planned scheme would also see industrial estates set up near the planned Hatfield power station and next to junction five's service station, which would include offices and a hotel.

A report before the committee will reveal both organisations' objections have now been resolved - although The Council for the Protection of Rural England and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have both raised concerns over the effect the scheme would have on the countryside and wildlife.

The council report states the Highways agency had initially directed planning permission be refused because of the impact it would have on the M18.

The Environment Agency is now happy with the scheme after receiving assurances over flood protection.

Concerns had been raised about the effect the scheme would have on the countryside. The CPRE told the council it supports brownfield elements of the development, which would see building on former colliery land, but objects to development on rural land because attractive countryside would be affected.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has told the authority it is worried about the impact of the development on the attractive countryside and the nature reserve at Hopyard Meadows.

The report warns: "The road will have a significant impact on the character and appearance of the countryside area between Stainforth and Hatfield."