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

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.

The facility, which will consist of a number of cavities, believed to be 30, that 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.

INEOS has confirmed the proposals are completely separate from existing plans for the Byley gas plant, which utilities giant ScottishPower sold to E.ON UK earlier this year.

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

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

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."