TWO parish councils say that they are ‘100 per cent opposed’ to plans submitted to transform lime beds in Lostock Gralam.

Cheshire Land Limited is seeking planning permission to excavate lime and black ash from 40 acres of former lime beds, which it says will be recycled and used in the construction industry.

However, both Lach Dennis and Lostock Green Parish Council (LDPC) and Rudheath Parish Council are against the proposals after raising concerns over wildlife and protection for residential properties from westerly winds.

In a statement, a spokesperson for both parish councils said: “With regard to the article on the lime beds in last week’s Guardian, we the parish council for Lach Dennis and Lostock Green, along with the parish council for Rudheath, would like to make it perfectly clear we are 100 per cent opposed to this project.

“Both parish councils lodged objections last year.

“There are a number of questions that need to be answered as to what lies beneath the surface of the lime beds.

“The beds are historical, in that whatever was placed there by previous owners is not recorded.

“The wildlife is happy where it is, and once forced to move may never return.

“We are now entering the nesting season, as hundreds of lapwings were witnessed flocking, circling and wheeling over the lime beds last week.

“The lime beds also provide protection from the westerly winds that blow over to residential properties.

“For further details pertaining to the council’s objection, please log into the CWAC planning portal, where all objections can be viewed.”

A further objection has been lodged by Cheshire and Wirral Ornithological Society, which states: “A large number of different species use this ‘safe’ roosting site throughout a large part of the year.

“Many are red-listed, where there is a serious concern about their numbers - some of which have declined in this country by up to 50 per cent.

“CAWOS is concerned about disturbance caused by the restoration work on birds coming in to roost, such that thousands of birds could be displaced.

“This would add an additional stress on the birds that are already under threat.

“Mitigation needs to be considered to reduce this where possible.”

The plans have been called before Cheshire West and Chester Council's planning committee and are set to be decided upon next month.