A CUMBRIAN council has insisted there is “no evidence” a nuclear laundry allowed to operate on a Workington industrial estate represents a breach of planning law.

Allerdale council was responding to claims made by environmental pressure group Radiation Free Lakeland that the Energy Coast Laundry at Lillyhall has not been through the proper planning scrutiny.

Bosses who run the laundry have also moved to reassure the public, insisting that they deal only with “none active” basic clothing worn by Sellafield workers and contractors – and that stringent safety procedures are in place.

Now the council has strenuously denied the claims that the rules have been flouted.

An authority spokesman said: “Allerdale Borough Council’s planning enforcement officers take action within their statutory powers and where there has been a clear breach of planning laws.

“There is no evidence to suggest that the activity on site at the laundry is in breach of planning legislation as it does not, in planning terms, represent a change to the established use of the building. It is the role of the Environment Agency to oversee the environmental impact of the site’s operations and we shall continue to provide any assistance they may require to ensure the key regulations are adhered to.”

Marianne Birkby, spokeswoman for the Radiation Free Lakeland, had called on Allerdale Borough Council’s planning enforcement officer to serve a notice of eviction on the business, while council leader Marion Fitzgerald had pledged to “investigate the claims”.

Responding to the concerns Jason Robinson, Operations Manager for Energy Coast Laundry Ltd, said that the company has a valid Environment agency permit.

He has also stressed that the company is “rigorously tested” every day to ensure their processes “meet the highest standards”.