The proposed development by Brunner Mond & E.On EfW Ltd  is designed to provide steam to Tata Chemicals Europe’s Lostock factory in Northwich and will provide about one-third of Tata Chemicals Europe’s energy requirements and generate enough power to supply 80,000 homes.

“This decision is excellent news,” said Martin Ashcroft, Tata Chemicals Europe Managing Director. “As an energy intensive business, we are faced with ever-rising gas prices which are increasingly difficult to absorb. The new plant will give us fuel price stability which will allow us to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and to plan our long-term future.”

Construction is expected to begin next year with the plant slated to be operational towards the end of 2016. Some 500 jobs will be created during the construction period in addition to a further 50 permanent operating posts.

A spokesman for the Department of Energy & Climate Change said: “It is essential we have a balanced energy mix in the future to provide low cost, efficient energy to households and businesses.“This plant takes waste and turns it into something of great value – enough power to supply 80,000 homes - and in addition creates jobs for the local community.”

A public inquiry recommended that consent for the station be granted after hearing evidence about all aspects of the proposed development, including its potential health and visual impacts as well the implications for traffic safety and the local environment.

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