PARISH councillors in Rudheath say they are 'incensed' at plans to ramp up capacity at the Lostock sustainable energy plant.

Time is running out for residents to have their say in LSEP Ltd's survey on the idea – which would increase the amount of waste burned at the site from 600,000 to 728,000 tonnes a year.

That is expected to lead to an increase from 276 to 434 vehicle movements a day – between 7am and 11pm – to and from the plant, which is due to open in 2023.

Much of that traffic would be expected to travel through Rudheath between the A556 at King Street and the Griffiths Road site, which will be one of three waste-processing plants in the area.

In a statement, Rudheath Parish Council said: "The enormous amount of waste needed to maintain a continuous operation for this incinerator means waste will have to be transported from other areas around the country.

"The incinerator is approached through the residential area in Rudheath with schools within a stone’s throw.

"What about the negative environmental effect, and the impact on our air quality with output from the incinerator and the impact of HGV movements?"

Opposition is ramping up against the proposal – with MPs Esther McVey and Mike Amesbury, Cheshire West ward councillors Helen Treeby and Mark Stocks, Northwich town councillors and the Cheshire Anti-incinerator network all speaking out in recent weeks.

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LSEP Ltd, the company which will operate the site, says it would help to divert more waste away from landfill and could generate electricity for up to 148,000 homes.

It also intends to supply heat from the plant to homes and businesses through a district heating network.

Residents can comment on the LSEP proposal until Sunday, February 28, by visiting lostocksep.fcenvironment.co.uk