More concerns raised at Lostock energy from waste plant

At the full town council meeting, where representatives from the project outlined their case for increasing the amount of waste burned annually — from 600,000 to 728,000 — a number of councillors stated their fears over the plans.

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

Leading the grilling was Cllr Sam Naylor, who represents Northwich Witton for Cheshire West and Chester Council: “The bottom line here is that from the very outset in 2012 [when permission was granted to build the LSEP], the public or Northwich and the wider area have been deceived.

“This came on the promise that two-thirds of waste would come in by rail. The final point is why don’t they come clean and show us proper pictures of what the plant will look like.

“It does not show you any smoke or steam, or any vehicles [in artistic renders]. We have been lied to and I feel totally powerless.”

In response, LSEP representative Nick Roberts, said: “Rail by road was one option but two-thirds rail was the preferred option.

“The residual waste model has never changed — the increase in power was [done] in order to support the project.

“I appreciate his concerns.”

Cllr Bob Cernik, also a CWAC member, additionally highlighted concerns over the extra CO2 created by the increase in HGV movements, saying ‘there’s nothing sustainable about this’ project.

Mr Roberts replied, claiming that the other option for residual waste was to ‘bury it’ in landfill, which itself creates emissions via the release of methane and CO2 as organic material decomposes.

The Northwich Town Council meeting comes just weeks after Rudheath Parish councillors said they were ‘incensed’ at the plans, joining MPs Esther McVey and Mike Amesbury in their opposition.