HSE warns over building homes near chemical plant

The proposal, by SOG Ltd, would see 545 homes, including 59 senior living apartments, built close to Runcorn Chemical Complex

A council has been warned in "the most possible strongest terms" not to back plans to build housing near a chemical plant.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advised that the development's proximity to the Runcorn Chemical Complex could put residents at risk of harm from a major accident.

SOG Ltd want to build 545 homes, including 59 senior living apartments, close to the plant, which has been in operation since 1833.

The firm said the data used by the HSE to reach their risk assumptions was "30 years out of date" and the development was "not at risk from a chlorine leak."

'Under-investment'

In a letter to Halton Borough Council, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by local campaigners, the HSE said: “The advice is that the risk of harm to people at the proposed development from a major accident is such that there are sufficient reasons on safety grounds, for advising against the granting of planning permission for (the) application.”

Planning officers said in a report to be considered by the council's planning committee on Monday that a "balance must be struck" between sensitively managing populations exposed to risk, and servicing communities who live in the urban areas surrounding the chemical plant.

The report said: “The council’s concern remains that strictly adhering to the HSE’s advice effectively prevents any new housing in West Runcorn in perpetuity, leading to under-investment and decline."

“Changes in household size and demographics in the local area mean that additional housing is needed to support the community in this area.”

The plant is operated primarily by chemical manufacturing companies INEOS, Inovyn and Koura who hold hazardous substances consents for several chemicals that are used on site.

A spokesperson for SOG Ltd, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Independent experts have established that the data used by the HSE to reach their risk assumptions is 30 years out of date.

“SOG has employed internationally renowned specialists to undertake a comprehensive and extensive study which concluded that [the housing development] Heath Park is not at risk from a chlorine leak."