Northwich MP concerned to burn more waste at Lostock plant

Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant (LSEP) is under construction after being granted planning permission on appeal in 2012.

Now LSEP wants to increase the amount of waste handled by more than 20 per cent to 728,000 tonnes per year.

It claims the energy-from-waste plant could then generate enough electricity for up to 148,000 homes.

But there are fears over the impact on air quality and the local road network after the operator admitted this would mean a ‘higher number of vehicle movements’.

The Weaver Vale MP said: "The company describes the waste incinerator as a sustainable energy plant and is very keen to stress its green credentials.

"However, I do start to question whether the plant is as eco-friendly as claimed when I hear the number of lorry movements could go up.

"I would also like to know more about the impact on air quality of extra HGVs and given the amount of waste to be incinerated is proposed to rise by more than a fifth."

Mike raised similar concerns about HGVs before the plant was granted consent to increase power output in 2019. He also highlighted the site would be one of three waste processing facilities near a large residential area and schools.

Local residents, Cllr Sam Naylor (Lab, Northwich Witton) and Cheshire Anti-Incinerator Network (CHAIN) have all shared their worries with him.

CHAIN understands the number of lorries servicing the plant would rise from 262 to 434 per day.

LSEP is being delivered by LSEP Ltd, which is a joint venture between Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and FCC Environment.

The company says it will undertake an environmental impact assessment with updated transport and air quality data.

The Weaver Vale MP urges objectors to contact the company by the February 28 deadline before a variation application is lodged with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

Fill in the questionnaire on the company website: lostocksep.fccenvironment.co.uk