THE A556, A54 and A553 are among roads set to be ‘permanently diverted’ by HS2, which could also cut parking at Gadbrook Park.

A new environmental statement (ES) published by HS2 Ltd, the company behind the high-speed rail project, showed that houses would also need to be demolished and hundreds of acres of agricultural and woodland lost.

Parking at the Morrisons Distribution Centre at Gadbrook would be lost during construction and operation of the Phase 2b route.

The ES added: "The presence of rail infrastructure and noise from passing trains may change the character of surrounding neighbourhoods, and may reduce the quality of life for residents."

The project, estimated at a cost of tens of billions of pounds, has plans to pass through the area en route to Manchester Piccadilly within the next 15 years.

Announcing a public consultation on the statement, HS2 Ltd. said the route would bring ‘significant benefits’ to Cheshire itself, while also cutting travel times between the north and London.

A spokesman for HS2 said: “HS2 will deliver major benefits to the Cheshire region and is already becoming integral to local plans to drive business growth, create jobs and secure investment years before it arrives.

“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to dramatically improve journeys between the midlands and the north, and London, boosting capacity, improving connectivity and helping to rebalance the national economy.

“We are committed to being a good neighbour and working with communities. As the design progresses we are working hard to minimise any impacts and overcome any technical issues, while also ensuring value for the taxpayer.”