AROUND two kilometres of cable could be laid under in Lostock Gralam to link a proposed energy from waste plant to the Scottish Power network.

The cables would connect the Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant – which has planning permission at the former Tata works – to two separate SP connection points near Lostock Gralam station and the Slow and Easy pub.

With all cabling to be buried underground, some of the work would likely bring about road closures and diversions, with a total project timespan of up to two years.

A spokesman for the LSEP said: “The proposed development is required in this location to connect the approved LSEP development to the electrical grid at the grid connection points offered by SP.

“This will enable the renewable/low carbon energy generated at the plant to be distributed.”

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They added that the LSEP scheme would assist the UK in achieving sustainable waste management and renewable energy targets, diverting a ‘significant amount’ of waste away from landfill.

The cable-laying phase is anticipated to last between 18 and 24 months, with two main construction compounds and laydown areas in use off Manchester Road and east of Griffiths Road – as well as several satellite construction compounds.

The digging of the 1.4m-deep and up to 1.8m wide trenches would involve obstructing the roads and two footpaths.

On Griffiths Road and Manchester Road, temporary traffic lights, lane closures and road closures would be put in place as needed along with diversions.

A spokesman explained: “Once installed the proposed development would be entirely underground and not visible, with the highway reinstated.

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“The development comprises … four 132kV cable circuits and one 11kV cable circuit, running from the LSEP 132kV substation to the two points of connect on the SPEN distribution system.

“Two of the 132kV cable circuits would terminate at two overhead line towers, located to the east of the Lostock Works access road off Griffiths Road. They would be relocated slightly further north east … under permitted development.

“The other two 132kV cables would be jointed into an existing circuit on/adjacent to Manchester Road. the 11kV cable circuit would terminate at the Lostock Works access road bridge.”

Comment on a planning application for the scheme can be made through cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk by December 16.