East Riding Council’s Planning Committee voted 10 to two to approve Associated British Ports’ (ABP) plans for Humber International Enterprise Park, south of Hedon bypass.

ABP’s David Morris told the committee the development would provide a “significant economic boost” for the area and could create upwards of 6,500 jobs.

He added ABP revisited plans over residents, council officers and highways, drainage and other agencies’ concerns, with 51,000sqm less floor space proposed and a 22 per cent density.

But resident from Paull Against Development on Enterprise Land (PADEL) Andrew Nicholson told the committee there had been a “lack of consultation” with locals despite hundreds of objections.

South West Holderness ward member Coun John Dennis said residents claimed two one hour presentations to locals on the plans were “rushed”, adding they “could have waited” until after lockdown.

Committee chair Coun David Tucker said the key to the application’s success would be ABP being a “good neighbour”.

But Coun Tucker added: “So far they haven’t, ABP need to go away and think about how they talk to locals. If they become a good neighbour and work with local people it will make this process a lot easier, it should happen as soon as possible.”

ABP have agreed to set up a community liaison group so talks with residents on the plans could continue and committee members said it should be made a condition for development.

The site, between Hedon and Paull and in the recently approved Humber Freeport area, was given outline permission with details on its buildings, layout and other features, reserve matters, to return.

The application also includes a new spine road running between Hedon Road and Paull Road ABP agreed to include to address concerns the development could see local roads congested.

Coun Sue Steel, also of South West Holderness ward which covers the site, said she “reluctantly” supported the application so the council could control development.

She added planning inspectors would likely overturn a refusal from the committee because the site was already allocated for port related employment use.

Coun Steel said: “I absolutely sympathise with residents, this will change the landscape forever, we’re in an untenable position. There’s currently 81 conditions that the development must abide by, if this is approved it needs to come back for reserve matters and we should follow it every step of the way.”

Committee member Coun Nigel Wilkinson said he could not support the plans because the potential for damage to wildlife, locals and heritage sites was a “step too far”.

Coun Wilkinson said: “Proposals from ABP including the extension of a wildlife mitigation area from 36 to 56 hectares are not good enough for the protection of birds and other animals.

“They and our cultural heritage assets, including unexcavated archaeological remains, are extremely important. The jobs are hypothetical, saying you’re going to build a load of buildings doesn’t prove anything.”

Coun Michael Lee added: “This is clearly one of the largest applications this committee will hear, it’s serious. I have huge understanding with and sympathy for residents, we need to retain some control over this application and the liaison group will be crucial. But 6,500 jobs is no small achievement, it’s a huge benefit in economic terms.”