THE future of Middlewich’s environmental hub is in doubt following the announcement of a public inquiry.

An inquiry into the Ansa environmental hub in Cledford Lane has been convened by the Traffic Commissioner after it found significant grounds to reconsider the site’s application.

The inquiry was ordered after four months of Middlewich residents corresponding with the Traffic Commissioner over the potentially negative impact the site could have on the town.

Concerns were raised over the significant increase of HGVs coming into Middlewich, which would lead to further traffic congestion and air pollution.

Ansa is the arms-length company of Cheshire East Council, and has been in the process of constructing the controversial environmental hub since June 2016.

Contractors Wates Construction has headed up the project, which would bring waste from across the borough onto the site.

Cllr David Latham, from Action Against Ansa, said: “This was the best case scenario we could have hoped for.

“It’s a step in the right direction. It’s very positive news and the group can take this as a small win.

“They don’t just hand out public inquiries willy nilly. They cost a lot of money and would not have been called for by the Traffic Commissioner unless there was sufficient grounds to do so.

“What happens next depends on how well supported we are on the day, so we need to make our voices heard.

“I would like to thank the action group and the public for the support we have received so far but the fight continues.”

Traffic Commissioners are responsible for licensing and regulating operators of heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles.

There are several courses of action that the Traffic Commissioner can take. These include granting the application in full, granting with conditions to operating hours, grant but for fewer vehicles to be operated or refuse the application entirely.

Cheshire East Council has a right of appeal should the Traffic Commissioner decide to stop completion of the waste hub.

A date for the inquiry is due to be made within the next four weeks and CEC will be represented by a legal team.