DONG Energy’s waste treatment plant at Lostock could be operating within 12 months after the development won unanimous backing this week from Cheshire West councillors.

The plant will recover resources from waste and generate renewable electricity, and is to be built at the Lostock Works off Griffiths Road in Lostock Gralam.

The scheme won the unanimous approval of members of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning committee despite traffic concerns from visiting councillors Val Armstrong and Mark Stocks.

Rudheath and Lostock Gralam Parish Councils opposed the planning application on increased traffic grounds, and 18 people had written to Cheshire West opposing the scheme.

They said the plant would increase air pollution in Griffiths Road and King Street, residents needed a safe crossing across King Street and School Road North and road improvements needed to accommodate increased vehicle movements safely.

Following the meeting DONG Energy’s vice-president Peter Thomsen, said: “We are naturally very pleased by the planning committee’s unanimous decision, and would like to thank them for granting planning consent for REnescience Northwich.

“As part of our proposals we intend to work closely alongside the local community. We are keen to ensure our facility remains a good neighbour throughout the construction period, as well as when it comes into operation.

“More details about our progress and how to keep updated will be available on our website in due course.”

Councillors were told the plant would deal with 144,000 tonnes of waste a year, it could be operational within 12 months and would see four HGVS enter the plant and four leave every hour.

The scheme was approved with conditions including a £29,000 contribution towards highway improvements along the A530.

Cllr Armstrong told the meeting: “I am concerned about the increase in traffic along Griffiths Road, especially at peak times.

“Most of the increase will be in diesel-fuelled HGVS, and residents are concerned about the detrimental impact of diesel pollution.

“It is already unpleasant to walk along the road at busy times due to the noise and proximity of traffic, and is difficult for pedestrians to cross.

“There has come a point where the increase of 96 traffic movements a day is not tolerable for residents.”

Cllr Stocks said the scheme would see 144,000 tonnes of waste being imported into Mid-Cheshire, and if the scheme was approved there needed to be a significant review of the area’s highway infrastructure.

“I don’t believe adequate provision has been made in the report for dealing with the serious highway issues we have within the area,” he said.

Cllr Jill Houlbrook recommended approval of the scheme, stating: “If you are going to put a facility like this anywhere it seems to me that site is an ideal place for it.”

Cllr Robert Bisset said in his time on the committee he had rarely seen a more suitable site for an application, and Cllr Eleanor Johnson said: “This ticks all the boxes for redevelopment.”

DONG Energy will continue to update its REnescience Northwich website with further information.