The company was applying for retrospective planning permission for an underground pipeline link-up to Heathrow that was installed last October to supply aircraft fuel.

Total, which co-owns the part of the depot where the 2005 disaster took place, and Dacorum Borough Council originally disagreed over whether the move needed planning permission.

But the company finally agreed to submit an application, which was given the green light at a meeting of council's development control committee last week. (Thursday, May 8 )

Chairman Richard Roberts said: "It would have been nice if your companies had got together about the regeneration of the site and communicated their plans to the community, which got a pretty severe shock two and a half years ago.

"We are very grateful for you coming this evening to show some support for your application and it takes away what has been perceived in the community as arrogance."

Total, which was represented by director of logistics Duncan Mann and Lyn Powell, of the planning consultancy RPS Group, also applied for permission to store aircraft fuel at the depot.

The committee delegated both applications with a view to approval, on condition storage is limited to aviation fuel, which is less volatile than petrol.

The council is in a difficult position because the Buncefield investigation has not concluded but the Health and Safety Executive has not objected to Total's plans.

In a statement afterwards Total said: "This work will allow Total to transport and store aviation fuel on site, providing an increase in the volume of fuel that can be pumped to Heathrow by underground pipeline.

"This is the safest and most environmentally-friendly delivery method and also improves the long term security of Heathrow's fuel supplies."

Total is facing damages claims totalling around £600million following the Buncefield disaster.


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