INTERNATIONAL chemical giant INEOS Enterprises has unveiled proposals to build a major gas storage facility just outside Northwich.

The Guardian has seen an outline drawing of the intended plant, which stretches from the edge of King Street, Rudheath, just south of Lach Dennis, across to the north of Byley, Middlewich.

The facility will consist of a number of cavities, believed to be 30, which will be mined for the purpose of gas storage, with a compression station located at Stublach Grange Farm, near Byley, at its centre.

Two new roads would provide access, one from King Street and another from the compression station out towards Byley and the M6.

Officials have reacted with caution to the announcement, with most predicting public opinion will be strongly against.

Sources at INEOS confirmed they have commenced preliminary discussions with affected authorities, including parish and town councils.

Planners hope to submit an application by the end of December and, subject to permission being granted, anticipate the plant will be operational within three years.

Chris Tane, INEOS Enterprises chief executive, said: "This will represent a major strategic investment by INEOS Enterprises to meet a clear national need for increased UK gas storage."

But one local businessman said: "I understand the ever-increasing demands on energy but they may as well just put a time bomb under us. Who knows what the long term safety implications are?"