Inquiry into the controversial housing development near chemical plants is pushed back, awaiting more evidence.
Halton Council approved 545 homes earlier. They also approved a vertical farm and office space. SOG Ltd made the application for this project. The plans sparked a lot of disagreement. Over 700 people objected to the proposal.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also objected. They worried about chemical facilities nearby. Halton’s planning leaders ignored these HSE concerns. The government is reviewing the plans due to the concerns.
Owen Woodwards is the independent planning inspector. He will make a recommendation to Angela Rayner. She is the Housing Secretary. She then makes the final decision.
The inquiry was going to start on February 10. Part of it was private due to sensitive info. The public part was to begin on February 25. The Planning Inspectorate delayed the inquiry to September 30. They said involved parties want to submit more evidence.
The Heath sits near the Runcorn Chemical Complex. It has run since 1833. Ineos, Inovyn, and Koura run it. They have permits for dangerous chemicals on site. HSE worried because the project is close to the complex. HSE uses models to predict chemical leaks’ impact.
Halton chiefs said the HSE’s data were old. They accused the HSE of creating unnecessary worry.