COUNCIL leaders are requesting urgent clarification about the Government’s announcement that a lorry park could be located in west Cheshire.

UK Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick gave himself the sweeping powers, revealed on Thursday night (September 3), that would allow the Government to pass emergency planning permission to build huge lorry parks across England.

It comes as the UK is less than four months away from Brexit being put into action, deal or no deal, as things stand.

The lorry parks would be more likely used in the event of a no-deal Brexit and are designed to prevent chaotic queues at ports.

The legislation states: "This Order grants temporary planning permission for development consisting of the use of land for the stationing and processing of vehicles (particularly goods vehicles) entering or leaving Great Britain."

The plans, revealed in The Town and Country Planning (Border Facilities and Infrastructure) (EU Exit) (England) Special Development Order 2020, could potentially locate a large holding area for HGVs in West Cheshire.

The new legislation overrides local planning decisions, with normal local planning consent no longer required.

Councillor Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “I wrote to the Government last month stating that Cheshire West and Chester Council would very much welcome the opportunity to meet and understand further details of any new infrastructure and changes in planning processes. We have yet to receive a response.

“The council is concerned about the lack of consultation before this decision was made. We will be looking at the possible implications and have contacted the Government again to share our views, seek further clarification and request an urgent meeting.”