A GROUP campaigning against HS2 in mid Cheshire has blasted plans for a Rudheath building compound, as uncertainty over the project rumbles on.

Plans for a temporary HS2 site investigations hub at Cookes Lane were submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council last month, before a review of the high speed rail project was announced.

The hub would be in situ for a maximum of three years, HS2 Ltd says, although campaigners say this timescale would be sufficient to wipe out habitats.

Northwich Guardian:

Mike Slater of Mid Cheshire Against HS2 said: “This appears to be a cynical, poorly-timed and inappropriate planning application.

"It is ludicrous that, just when the Government has announced a full review of the entire HS2 project, HS2 carries on regardless.

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“Rudheath is already blighted with traffic problems and is facing the potential construction of two massive incinerators and the attendant HGVs travelling through this residential area.

“This really pours salt on residents’ concerns. The large proposed compound, with parking for 52 vehicles and large numbers of HGVs, will add even greater stress to current traffic issues and increase the noise levels and disruption for residents."

Northwich Guardian:

Mike also noted that the Cookes Lane area acts as a 'funnel' between the lime beds and the A556, making it an important nesting area for many bird species throughout the year.

HS2 said in a planning statement that the land at Cooke’s Lane would be used as a base for ground investigations, to be returned to its current use after work is finished.

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Ground investigations constitute works required in advance of the main construction programme, including site access, detailed investigations, environmental surveys, and environmental mitigation works.

Graham Dellow of MCAHS2 said: “It is nonsensical for HS2 to label this three-year proposal a ‘temporary’ compound. Three years will be enough to ruin both the ecology and lives of residents.

“We hope that CWAC will have the sense to refuse the application and do the right thing for the area, rather than approving a major development for HS2.

“We firmly believe that all enabling work associated with this project should be put on hold while the viability of HS2 itself is in question.

Comments on the application 19/02719/FUL can by made on the CWAC website by September 11.