AN ENERGY firm promising to bring hundreds of jobs to the Haven waterway has reassured the people of Milford Haven its plans are "on track", despite not having submitted a planning application yet.

Following two public meetings about its development of the former RNAD site at Blackbridge, and a presentation to Milford Haven town council, renewable energy firm Egnedol has said it hopes to to be producing energy by 2017.

But due to having extended its consultation process, coupled with recent changes to legislation, Egnedol will now need to submit a planning application to the Welsh Government's Planning Inspectorate, not the county council.

“Initial meetings have been held with the Planning Inspectorate to discuss the route for the application," said company director Steve Whitehouse.

Once started, a further six-week consultation period will take place before the plans are formally submitted, which will allow members of the public to continue to provide feedback and share their views.

“We would like to reassure the local community that our planning application is on track and that we are following the correct procedures to submit via the Planning Inspectorate at Welsh Government," he said.

"We will make the public aware of any updates as soon as possible."

Mr Whitehouse added that by extending the initial consultation period, Egnedol had been able to listen to local people's view, and take on board their ideas where possible.

Egnedol's current proposals are to build a biomass facility producing up to 40MW of energy in its first phase, creating up to 450 jobs.

To learn more about the proposed Centre for Renewable Energy Excellence visit www.egnedol.wales or email info@egnedol.com.