Wirral West MP Matthew Patrick has said part of the controversial Peak Cluster gas pipeline project is a "non-starter," as he raised "unanswered safety questions" over the plans. The £5bn carbon capture scheme would transport carbon dioxide from lime and cement manufacturing sites in Derbyshire and Staffordshire through miles of pipeline for storage in depleted natural gas reservoirs beneath the East Irish Sea.
Reduced plans for Wirral
Peak Cluster, the developer behind the project, announced last week that it has "significantly reduced" its plans for Wirral. The revised proposals cut the area needed for an above ground installation (AGI) by 85%. The facility had previously been expected to be the size of seven and a half football pitches, with a 50m chimney.
Following the update, Mr Patrick shared a statement saying: "I am disappointed to learn that Peak Cluster believe their amended plans for a smaller above ground installation (AGI) are acceptable for the Wirral."
MP's concerns
Mr Patrick added: "All year I have been pressuring them to drop this facility entirely. It is a non-starter. A huge facility, on our beautiful coastline and countryside, with noise and lights flashing around the clock would be an eyesore and a nuisance."
It is claimed the project would cut over three million tonnes of CO₂ while creating and safeguarding more than 13,000 jobs. However, residents and local councillors have raised potential environmental and safety concerns. Wirral Council has maintained cross-party objections to the plans, while many have encouraged the borough's four MPs to be more vocal on the issue.
Mr Patrick said: "My concerns have always gone wider than the AGI. I remain deeply concerned about unanswered safety questions, the threat to irreplaceable habitats, and potential use of taxpayer money to make their project sustainable. I struggle to see how their project represents value for money."
Consultation events
A new round of consultation has been announced, giving people the chance to have their say on the revised plans. A consultation event will take place at Port Sunlight's Hulme Hall on December 3, and an online webinar will be held on November 23.
David Parkin, CEO of Peak Cluster Ltd, said: "Those who live, work and spend their free time in an area, know it best. Listening to communities and stakeholders, understanding their views and gathering local knowledge is an essential part of our approach to developing the Peak Cluster project."
Parkin added: "The first phase of consultation provided valuable feedback that helped us better understand local priorities. Combined with the findings of technical studies, engineering assessments and environmental surveys, this feedback has enabled us to refine the project design."
