TATA Chemicals Europe should submit a new application for its proposed energy-from-waste plant because of major changes which have taken place in the area.

So says Cheshire West and Chester councillor Mark Stocks in relation to Tata’s plans for a plant at Lostock Gralam.

Work could begin later this year to clear land paving the way for the building of the plant on land occupied by the old Lostock Power Station.

It will take between 12 and 18 months to divert the services crossing the site and to demolish the old power station, and then three years to build the new plant.

Tata needs to comply with 13 planning conditions before it starts work on site, and has submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council a series of applications for approval detailing how the conditions will be met.

The conditions relate to the planning consent for the plant which was given in 2012, and expires in October.

“I would like to express my concerns regarding TATA’s current moves to agree and sign off the conditions on their approved planning application,” said Shakerley ward councillor Stocks.

“This application will expire on October 2, 2017, the developer has had nearly five years to conclude these conditions and has left it until now to start.

“Since its approval there have been significant developments in the area; the new DONG plant at Lostock Gralam, the 70-plus houses at Foxglove in Rudheath, Barons Quay and most importantly, the re-routing of HS2 along the A556 at Rudheath.

“All of these developments will be significantly impacted by this further development.

“Particular concern is how any agreement can be made with regard to transport links to this site. The current HS2 proposals which see their route protected will lead to the re-routing of the A556 between Rudheath and Plumley.

“With there being no certainty at this stage as to where this relocation will be accommodated, it is impossible to agree any transport-related conditions at this stage.

“The application also appears to be changed from a single build phase to a two-build phase, which constitutes a major change of the planning application.

“There will also require consideration of the impact of all lorry movements coming in and out of the site through the construction and operational phases.

“This should cover transport links and environmental impact on the area, such as noise and pollution.

“The developers have left it so late in the day to move forward to agree these conditions for approval that the current application should be allowed to lapse and a new one submitted, taking into account the significant changes in the area.

“This development is a real threat to the regeneration of Northwich and surrounding areas.”