Hopes of a reprieve for campaigners opposed to a controversial new McDonald's and service station close to underground pipelines carrying hazardous chemicals have been dashed, after the national health and safety watchdog decided not to refer the plans to the government.

The World reported in February how Halton planning chiefs had approved an application by Impero Development Management for a drive-thru, filling station and convenience store on land off Rocksavage Roundabout known as The Woodyard.  The site lies between the A557 Weston Point Expressway and Weaver View in Runcorn, adjacent to Junction 12 of the M56.

But the scheme had proven highly contentious, with concerns being raised by a local ward councillor and nearby residents. An objection was also lodged by SABIC UK Petrochemicals over proximity to a major trans-Pennine pipeline which transports ethylene – which is highly flammable and explosive – from its facility in Wilton, Teesside, to Runcorn.

The national Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also objected, it said an assessment indicated that the ‘risk of harm’ to people at the site was such that there were ‘sufficient reasons on safety grounds, for advising against the granting of planning permission in this case’.

The developers said the scheme would deliver 145 jobs, and officers at the council had recommended the committee back it - stating that it was not considered that the safety advice of the HSE ‘outweighed the proposal’s policy compliance and the benefits that would result’.

The HSE then had 21 days to decide whether to refer the plans to Secretary of State Michael Gove to have the final say. It then asked for an extension to continue considering its case, but has now decided not to forge ahead.

A spokesman for HSE said it was done in the knowledge that the council 'fully understood' the consequences which could follow.

He said: "Following careful consideration, we have decided not to recommend the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities call in the proposals for his own determination. However, our strong advice against the granting of planning permission remains.

“The decision has been taken on the basis that Halton Borough Council has acted in the full understanding of HSE’s advice and the consequences that could follow.”

The spokesman said a request of call-in by the Secretary of State was a 'rare course' of action for HSE and only made in cases of exceptional concern.