There's a fear factor - those fears persist

County, parish and town councillors have grave concerns about the possibility of a huge underground gas plant being developed at land between Stublach Farm in Lach Dennis, and Drakelow Lane in Byley.

Cty Clr George Mainwaring, who represents Northwich East and Shakerley, said: "My main concern is that in their press release, INEOS Enterprises mention locating a gas compression station at Stublach Grange Farm, which is within 600 yards of the Duke of Portland pub in Lach Dennis.

"I think there is a high fear factor surrounding issues like this, and until we know more about the detail of the application those fears will persist."

Chairman of Lostock Gralam Parish Council Shaun Wells said: "I think this is undoubtedly going to cause a lot of upset.

"The problem is going to be proving the plant will be 100 per cent safe and, at the moment, I'm not sure there is conclusive proof that these storage facilities are."

Middlewich Town Mayor Clr Chalky White said: "To increase the storage of gas this close to Middlewich is at the very least unwelcome and at the worst absolutely appalling.

"It would be virtually next door to the Byley gas plant and what we have always said is that once an application gets through it's so much easier for the next one that comes along.

"Once again this is an example of large developers running roughshod over small communities."

John Halstead, chairman of Residents Against the Plant (RAP), the group that lost its fight against the Byley gas plant earlier this year has also voiced concerns.

He said: "I would want to know if it is high pressure gas because that is the what causes the danger and there is absolutely no need for a high pressure gas storage facility.

"What I am really worried about is that as with Byley, which was ultimately overturned by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, the plant will be sold on for a profit at the expense of the Cheshire countryside."