COUNCIL bosses have called for people to be able to have their say about controversial plans for a new coal-fired power station in the county.

Medway Council considered the proposals concerning Kingsnorth Power Station in Hoo, near Rochester, last week and chose not to raise any objections.

They did however impose 25 conditions on the approval, as well as calling for a public inquiry.

Robin Cooper, Medway Council's director of regeneration, said: "We have set out a number of conditions we want the government to put on future planning permission if it is granted.

"These include measures to protect the wildlife, the provision of training so local people can be trained to work at the power station, as well as money being invested in the surrounding roads.

"The plans do present some benefits to people living in the area. I think some people are pleased the new plant will be a lot more efficient and it is going to generate 20 per cent less emissions."

A spokesman for E.ON said: "We are pleased the council has been able to take the time to consider the proposals and that they have seen fit to give it the nod from their end.

"We will be more than happy to take the recommendations Medway Council have set out on board."

Medway MP Bob Marshall-Andrews said: "I am sorry the council did not feel able to intervene with the planning application. In my view that could have been done and should have been done. But I am pleased that the council has directed The Secretary of State towards a public inquiry."

Greenpeace, which previously staged a protest at the site and collected a petition against the plans, has criticised the council’s decision and said it intends to take further action.