Low Carbon: Council agree Lostock Gralam chemical waste plan

By James Shepherd on Jun 17, 09 10:34 AM in News

COUNCILLORS have given their backing to plans to store more chemical waste in underground bunkers near Northwich.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has given planning permission for INEOS Enterprises to build new underground pipes to allow distiller blow off (DBO) to be hoarded in empty brine cavities at Lostock Gralam.

CWaC's planning board met last Tuesday, June 9, when councillors were told the use of brine cavities avoided the need to use landfill and would also enable continued operation of the Brunner Mond works.

Permission was also given for the installation of machinery on the surface of Park Farm, Holford Brine Fields, to monitor the flow of the alkali waste.

Cllr Norman Wright told the planning meeting: "In the past there were brine bursts in the area, destroying crops. That's all history now but we want an assurance that the pipes are going to be maintained."

A statement from Cllr Mark Stocks opposing the plans was read out at the meeting, expressing his concerns over the potential for leaks.

But the board maintained the project would have a minimal impact upon the open countryside and would not adversely affect the character of listed buildings at Park Farm.

The application was granted by eight votes to one with a list of conditions which included submission of a noise protection scheme, 10 days notice of commencement of the development and remediation of any future leaks.

A spokesperson for Lostock Gralam Parish Council said the group has long been resigned to the plans going ahead, and did not raise any major objections.

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