Plans for a HGV refuelling station at Teesside Airport have been approved by the council.

Plans for a refuelling station at Teesside Airport have been approved by the council.

Darlington Borough Council gave the green light to Element 2 Ltd, which aims to build a hydrogen heavy goods vehicle (HGV) refuelling station.

It will be located in an unoccupied field near the St George Airport Hotel.

The company, represented by Bowman Riley, submitted the proposal detailing the development of a 7,825 square metre area with no existing vehicular access.

A new road will be created from an unnamed road to facilitate entry and exit onto Teesside Airport Road.

The proposed facility will feature a canopy covering two refuelling bays, a hydrogen dispenser, and three hydrogen tank storage bays with protective walls.

The site will operate as a 24-hour self-service station.

Development is part of an effort to support the decarbonisation of heavy transport by providing hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.

The location was chosen for its proximity to the A1(M) and A66, allowing easy access for HGVs and efficient use of existing airport land.

Proposals include sustainability measures, such as sourcing hydrogen from green energy providers and using minimal electrical infrastructure.

The design also incorporates safety features like concrete protective walls for hydrogen storage and a pedestrian pathway.

Planning considerations found the proposal met Darlington Local Plan policies on sustainability and economic development.

Highways Authority and National Highways raised no objections regarding highway safety.

A noise impact assessment confirmed no concerns about noise pollution.

The site is within Flood Zone 1, considered a low-risk area for flooding.

Proposals involve the storage of 2.5 tonnes of hydrogen, which is below the threshold for needing consent.

The planning application received one public comment raising concerns over the demolition of a heritage building, but Middleton St George Parish Council had no objections.

The application was approved with conditions, including a start date within three years, compliance with approved plans, and the submission of a 30-year habitat monitoring and management plan.

Other conditions involve a tree protection plan, a contaminated land assessment, and a landscaping plan to be maintained for 30 years.

The decision was made on February 4, 2025.