PLANS for a three-year HS2 compound in Cheshire have been submitted to the council as Phase 2b of the high-speed rail project continues.

Cheshire East Council (CEC) has received a planning application from Atkins Ltd, on behalf of HS2, to build a temporary compound on land off Old Hall Lane in Tabley.

The base would be used to support a programme of off-site ground investigation works along the proposed Phase 2b route between Crewe and Manchester.

The site itself, which was vacated in spring 2022, has recently been used as a construction compound by National Highway's contractors Sir Robert McAlpine during the M6 junction 19 improvement works.

The plans come after the Cheshire Wildlife Trust announced one of its nature reserves will be 'obliterated' by HS2.

A design and access statement, submitted as part of the application, says: "The operational need for the proposed development is intrinsically linked to the delivery of HS2 Phase 2b (Crewe to Manchester) which is expected to bring significant benefits to Cheshire East, as recognised by CEC.

"The location of the site has been carefully chosen to ensure its proximity to the route corridor of Phase 2b of HS2, with a view to minimising vehicular trips for plant and staff in connection with the proposed ground investigation works.

"In addition, the proposed development has been carefully designed to ensure it will not exceed the scale and layout of the most recent use of the site as a compound for National Highway’s contractors.

"Taken together, these elements constitute very special circumstances which clearly outweigh any potential minor harm to the Green Belt.

"Notwithstanding this, the temporary nature of the proposed development means any potential impacts on the Green Belt will be temporary in duration.

"The proposal is considered to adequately protect the amenity of nearby properties and has been shown to have an acceptable impact on the highways network."

Some of the ground investigation works include carrying out enviromental surveys and advanced mitigation works such as the translocation of species and/or habitats, the creation of habitats and visual screening planting.

The hours of operation are listed as 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday, however occasional evening and weekend work may be necessary.

According to the design and access statement, the main construction works for Phase 2b are expected to start in early 2027 and scheduled to be completed in late 2033.

To view and comment on the plans, search reference 22/3077M on the council's online planning portal.