COUNCIL bosses have spelt out what they will expect from Able UK as it bids to win fresh planning permission to scrap a toxic fleet of US Navy ships.

Hartlepool Borough Council has sent the firm a framework for carrying out a study into the environmental impact of scrapping the fleet at its base in Graythorp.

Able is required to submit an environmental impact assessment (EIA) when it applies for planning permission to construct a dry dock in order for the work to take place.

The council has already consulted with the Environment Agency, English Nature and the RSPB before drawing up the detailed framework.

Fifty six responses have also been received after members of the public were asked for their views on what the assessment should cover.

Roy Merrett, the authority's principal planning officer, said: "All of the comments we have received have played an important part in shaping the framework which we have laid down for the EIA.

"The framework means that the EIA will be wide ranging. It will look in detail at the overall proposed uses of the Graythorp site, the creation of a dry dock and the disposal of waste and how it is transported and the impact of all of that on the surrounding environment including wildlife."

Mike Childs, of Friends of the Earth, said it was "broadly happy" with what was to be included.

Environmental groups have concerns about the impact on birdlife at the nearby Seal Sands nature reserve and any possible leaking of pollutants if a dry dock is created.

The EIA assessment is also required to accompany any fresh application for a waste licence which in turn will only be granted if there is a dry dock in place.

Four vessels are moored at Graythorp, with a further nine subject to a court order preventing them from leaving the US.