A motion calling for the opposing of the Peak Cluster CO2 pipeline project has been passed near unanimously by Cheshire West and Chester Council on Tuesday 21 April 2026.
The motion was brought to Council by a number of Conservative Councillors, who called for an Extraordinary Meeting of Council to debate the significant potential impact of Peak Cluster on the borough, following an outcry from residents over the proposals to build 200km of new onshore pipeline to transport high-pressure CO2.
Initially proposed by Councillor Sion Roberts (Willaston and Thornton, Con), the debate called for formal opposition to the project, the routing of the Peak Cluster pipeline through Cheshire West and Chester, to submit objections to relevant planning and regulatory bodies where safety, environmental or community impacts are substantiated, and that the Council will not put forward or promote alternative routes elsewhere.
Cllr Roberts opened the debate by stating that:
“The proposed Peak Cluster pipeline may be described as a nationally significant infrastructure project, but for people in places like Willaston and neighbouring villages, it is not an abstract line on a map. It is a proposal that would pass close to homes, across farmland, alongside public footpaths and through valued local landscapes.
“In Willaston in particular, concerns relate not only to the pipeline itself but also to the planned ‘Above Ground Installation’ immediately to the south of the village. For a community of this scale, the permanent visual and environmental impact of such infrastructure is significant and understandably raises concerns about long term change to the character of the area.
“Residents are not opposed to climate action, nor resistant to progress. What they are concerned about is the scale of what is proposed, the fact that emissions originate elsewhere, and the uncertainty that still surrounds safety, long term monitoring, construction disruption and responsibility should something go wrong many years into the future.
“People are asking reasonable questions: why their area should be used as a corridor for infrastructure serving other regions; what tangible benefit accrues locally; and how their voices can genuinely influence a national process that can otherwise feel remote and technical.
Cllr Simon Eardley (Saughall and Mollington, Con), Cheshire West and Chester Conservative Group Deputy Leader and Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways, Transport, Climate & Nature Emergency and Neighbourhood Pride, highlighted the importance of the full motion, which not only captured a distinctive rejection of any plans, but also highlights many unanswered questions, by saying:
“The Peak Cluster project is of major direct concern to many people in the villages of the Saughall & Mollington Ward – particularly Backford, Capenhurst & Ledsham and to a lesser degree Lea-by-Backford and Mollington. There are grave concerns being expressed by many residents in these places. First and foremost, it is my obligation to represent those views.
“I would like to acknowledge the passion and commitment of the campaigning organisations that are working hard on this issue. I respect their voice and the manner in which they are raising awareness and expressing deep concern about this proposed project. Let’s be clear what this motion states:
- It acknowledges that many residents do not believe they are being listened to already – paragraph 1.4
- It explicitly states many of the concerns being raised by residents – from ecological matters to safety considerations
- At paragraph 2.1 it states opposition to the project – it is not right for Cheshire
- It acknowledges the reality of the need to address climate change, but that this project is not necessarily the means to do that – other novel technologies should be explored first
- It states opposition again in paragraph 3.1
- It states that Council-owned and Council-managed land should not be used for construction or operation of the project
- At paragraph 3.12 it implores all of us to come together to support a letter setting out our clear opposition to this proposal.
It is clear in my opinion. It acknowledges resident concern and opposition. It states our opposition explicitly.”
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Adrian Waddelove (Farndon, Con), Conservative Group Leader, mentioned his pride in:
“a legitimate cross-party approach to opposing this inappropriate scheme that negatively impacts our borough. I am proud that the Conservatives proposed this debate and that it has resolved with a substantive and impactful motion that unequivocally opposes any part of the Peak Cluster C02 pipeline or associated above ground installations running through Cheshire West and Chester, and Council will not put forward or propose alternative routes elsewhere.
“I am disappointed that some councillors, including members of the Reform group, did not support this cross-party approach, whilst talking down and attempting to remove the strong and detailed substance of our motion that seeks to protect and empower affected communities if this project goes ahead against the will of the Council.
“The motion says this project is not right for Cheshire West and Chester. Councillors agree that it is not right. Central government will be told this is not right, and we have put the views of residents ahead of local politics. Some in the chamber last night could take note of that.”
The wording of the motion can be viewed here (go to item 5, 'additional documents', pdf file listed as Revised Motion to Item 5...:
Agenda for Council on Tuesday, 21st April, 2026, 6.30 pm - Cheshire West & Cheshire Council
