Residents urged to have their say on Peak Cluster pipeline proposals

Cheshire East Council is encouraging residents to take part in a consultation being held by Peak Cluster Ltd on their proposals for a carbon dioxide ( CO₂ ) pipeline.

Peak Cluster Ltd has this week launched a public consultation on its proposals for the pipeline, which is planned to pass through parts of the borough, and is inviting feedback on a number of elements of their proposals.

This includes the area within which Peak Cluster proposes to build permanent infrastructure, the proposed locations of above ground installations, block valve stations, and temporary areas required for access and construction.

In October, Cheshire East Council formally objected to the pipeline proposals and has written to the Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government setting out the reasons for this. It has also written to Peak Cluster requesting that they present their plans directly to Cheshire East councillors.

Councillor Nick Mannion, leader of Cheshire East Council, said:

“The council’s formal objection reflects councillors' concerns about Peak Cluster’s current proposals and their potential implications for Cheshire East, including public safety and environmental impacts. We know these concerns are shared by many residents across Cheshire East.

“That is why it is so important that local communities take the time to respond to Peak Cluster’s consultation and to read the proposals in detail, so all concerns can be presented back to them.”

Peak Cluster’s public consulation, will run until 18 December and can be responded to online.

Peak Cluster is also holding two engagement days in Cheshire East and a webinar.

Registration in advance for these sessions is required:

• Gawsworth Scout Hut, Friday 20 November. Register here.
• Holmes Chapel Community Centre, Saturday 5 December. Register here.
• Cheshire public webinar on Monday 30 November at 6.30pm. Register here.

Cllr Michael Gorman, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said:

“The council's role in relation to the proposed pipeline remains that of a host authority and statutory consultee. We are not the decision maker in this process but will be submitting a comprehensive response to the consultation following consideration at Full Council and Cabinet meetings over the next two months.

“It is expected that formal plans for this project will be submitted towards the end of 2027. It is therefore very important that in both this consultation and the further consultation expected to be held by Peak Cluster in summer next year, that local people’s voices are heard before any final plans are presented to Government.”