A PRE-INQUIRY meeting will discuss issues relating to a proposed energy from waste plant in Lostock, on July 26.

Earlier this year, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change announced that a public inquiry would determine the planning application by Tata Chemicals Europe, formerly Brunner Mond.

Plans for the sustainable energy plant, which would process 600,000 tonnes of pre treated waste and biomass per year, were rejected by the council’s planning committee in February.

The pre-inquiry meeting, to be held at Northwich Victoria Football Club, will discuss the procedure to be followed at the inquiry in October.

And although there will be no talk of the merits of particular planning issues, the primary areas of consideration will be flagged up, as well as the names of participants, the number of witnesses and inquiry dates and times.

Fraser Ramsay, SEP business development executive at Tata Chemicals Europe, said: “We are delighted to see the public inquiry process getting underway.

“The meeting will assist the planning inspector determine the format of the inquiry which starts on October 11.”

The meeting is open to the public, and some parish councillors and members of Cheshire Anti Incinerator Network (CHAIN) are strongly encouraging residents to attend.

Brian Cartwright, CHAIN chairman, said: “CHAIN is looking forward to the pre-inquiry meeting which will demonstrate by the numbers attending the intense public feeling against this development.

“We are hoping that the inspector will give organisations like CHAIN and other members of the public due hearing and the ability to take a productive role in the public inquiry.”

He added that the campaign group had compiled a list of concerns about the inquiry, which had been sent to the planning inspector.

These include worries about the perceived lack of publication of changes to the environmental statement, the lack of consultation on those issues, and the uncertainty about where the waste would come from.

Brian added that despite the inquiry being held in the town, at Northwich Victoria Football Club, he said that anyone interested in attending could only do so by car.

The pre-inquiry meeting will be held in the Executive Lounge at the football club, starting at 11am.

BREAKOUTS KENTON Barker, chairman of Wincham Parish Council, said it was very important for people with concerns to attend the meeting.

“We would love to encourage as many people to attend as possible to show the people involved in the inquiry what the local feeling against the proposed incinerator is,” he added.

EMMA Guy, vice chairman for Lostock Gralam Parish Council, said: “This is the last chance for the people of Lostock Gralam and Northwich to make their views known regarding this proposal.

“If we don't act now we will be condemning our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to a life in the shadow of this monster.”

TATA Chemicals Europe has applied to the secretary of state to make minor amendments and submit additional information to support its application.

This includes a consolidated environmental statement, new and comprehensive application drawings and a revised design and access statement and transport assessment.

The plans can be viewed during normal office hours at Cheshire West and Chester Council, Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford, CW7 1AH, at Northwich Library or Northwich TIC, 1 The Arcade.

Alternatively, email enquiries@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.

A spokesperson for the company said that no further detail about the additional information could be provided.