Wirral West MP Matthew Patrick has called for an "urgent reassessment" of plans for the Peak Cluster carbon capture project, describing the proposed changes to the route through Wirral as "hugely disappointing".
The £5bn project would take carbon dioxide from sites in Derbyshire and Staffordshire offshore to be stored under the Irish Sea, traversing the entire length of the Wirral Peninsula. Peak Cluster has shared an update on its proposals, with alterations made to around 15% of the route. However, despite large changes elsewhere in the country, the plans for Wirral have seen little change.
MP challenges environmental threat
In a statement, the Labour MP said he has been working alongside Cheshire Wildlife Trust to "challenge the environmental and wildlife threat posed to the Wirral by Peak Cluster." Mr Patrick, who became the Wirral West MP in the 2024 General Election, vowed to "stand up for the wildlife and nature we all hold dear."
Responding to the changes, David Parkin, CEO of Peak Cluster Ltd, said: "Since we began developing Peak Cluster, we’ve been following an iterative design process followed by all nationally significant infrastructure projects.
"Early designs were shared and consulted on to gather feedback which, alongside technical studies, engineering assessments and environmental surveys, has helped us continue to shape the Project, until we apply for development consent from the Government.
"We’ve used this process to understand where our design can be improved and adapted in recognition of public concerns and environmental constraints, while ensuring the Project remains safe, effective and operationally feasible.
Council opposition remains
"The updated Project boundary demonstrates how we’ve engaged, heard and acted. It shows our commitment to continue working with local communities and stakeholders to develop a Project that takes into account groups’ priorities as far as possible, minimising local impact.
"We look forward to consulting with stakeholders and the public on these proposed changes, and the Project’s evolving design, to further refine proposals."
Wirral councillors remain set against the project. Earlier this month, the council's Policy and Resources Committee rejected Peak Cluster's request to access the council's land to carry out surveys. One councillor on the committee vowed to "lay naked in the mud" to stop the project being built.
