Public inquiry into homes near chemical plant plan

The proposal, by SOG Ltd, would see 545 'net zero' homes, built close to Runcorn Chemical Complex

A public inquiry will take place to scrutinise controversial plans to build hundreds of new homes near chemical facilities in Runcorn near Cheshire.

SOG Ltd want to build 545 "net zero" homes, including 59 senior living apartments, at the Heath Business and Technical Park close to the plant, which has been in operation since 1833.

Halton Council planners approved the plan in May, despite the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) warning in "the most possible strongest terms" against backing the plans.

More than 700 objections were submitted and 150 local residents attended a committee meeting where the plans were considered.

The plans have now been “called in” by the secretary of state for local government who will have the final decision after an independent planning inspector chairs an inquiry.

A Halton Council spokeswoman said the decision to scrutinise the plans further was “expected”.

She said the borough had "a disproportionate number of public safety zones generated by an airport, hazardous installations, and pipelines compared to the average local authority area" and "representations on planning applications that relate to these matters are therefore common”.

'Deep concerns'

The site is located near what is known as the Runcorn Chemical Complex, which holds hazardous substances consents for several chemicals that are used on site.

The HSE’s original objection was how close the planned scheme would be to the chemical complex.

The HSE makes decisions based on the modelling of scenarios such as chemical leaks and spills and the potential impact on local residents.

But at May’s meeting, Halton’s planning chiefs claimed that HSE’s figures were 30 years out of date and accused it of "stoking fears", adding that they had to make decisions balanced by factors such as the housing needs of the borough.

Paul Smith, from SOG Ltd, said: “SOG concur with statements made by councillors at the meeting who raised their own deep concerns about the risk assessment presented to them by the HSE which formed the basis of their objection.”

He added: “Ultimately, Heath Park is an innovative scheme that has been meticulously researched and is one which the council unanimously approved."

The council spokeswoman said that the council had "effectively managed" public safety risks in land use planning over the last few decades through its local plans and associated planning policies.

Local resident Matt Morris, one of the original objectors, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I am extremely happy that this development has been called in. Hopefully the planning inspectorate puts a stop to this nonsense.”

The inquiry has been scheduled for 4 February 2025.