THE planning inquiry into a proposed pressure reduction installation in Corse closes tomorrow (Thursday) as representatives from National Grid, Forest of Dean District Council and CAPRI (Corse Against the Pressure Reduction Installation) make their closing statements.

The inquiry is a result of National Grid's appeal against the district council's decision to refuse planning permission for the installation on open land near Corse.

It is expected to be at least two months before Kenneth Smith, of the Planning Inspectorate, and David Gray, of the Department of Trade and Industry, announce their decision.

The proposed 36 boiler installation would be at the end of a high-pressure pipeline bringing gas from Milford Haven to the national gas network. Since the plan was announced it has sparked outrage among residents concerned over the risk of explosions, pollution and a perceived terrorist threat.

John Heap, a Corse resident and member of CAPRI, said he was optimistic over the outcome of the appeal.

"It has been eye-opening not only for us, but also the original planners and the inspectors, who I think have been surprised by the level of information that has been dug up," he said. "The inspectors are very highly qualified and have run the hearing extremely efficiently - our future lies in the hands of their decision, which we anxiously await."

Mr Heap said the inquiry has shown that there was a suitable alternative site less than 10km away, where the National Grid already has an installation.

He added it had shown it would be possible to build the installation at 75 bar pressure, the level of the current UK system, rather than the 95 bar proposed.Forest of Dean head of planning Peter Williams said the inspectors had heard a significant amount of information. "They obviously need to go away and consider all that information, and deliver their decision having evaluated it all," he said.