Campaigners against a large-scale solar farm in Northwich are bracing themselves as they await the final decision on the controversial scheme.
Cheshire West and Chester's planning committee rejected an application last July for the proposed development at Wallerscote Lime Beds on Winnington Avenue, following a campaign led by local councillors and residents.
However, Infinis Solar Developments and Green Earth Developments, who are collaborating with Tata Chemicals on the project, appealed to the Government's Planning Inspectorate for a second chance.
An inspector is now due to oversee a one-day inquiry starting next week, with their decision being final.
Winnington resident Sue Smallwood expressed her concerns about the potential impact of the project.
She said: "Its impact on the health and wellbeing to the people in and around the immediate areas of Winnington doesn't bear thinking about. And what we find particularly distressing is the destruction of the wildlife habitats... the trees, plants and insects that are thriving there."
Project leaders have argued that the proposed solar farm on the 160-acre former lime beds, owned by Tata, would generate enough electricity to power 6,500 homes. This energy would be used either locally or exported to the nearby Tata factory for use in chemical production.
Councillors Felicity Davies and Arthur Neil of the Winnington & Castle ward have been rallying support ahead of the hearing.
Cllr Davies said: "I'd like to say thank you to everyone that has written objections or helped deliver leaflets. We are organising a co-ordinated effort to ensure all voices are heard at the hearing and that this appeal is rejected."
Project plans reveal that the development will require moving 1.35 million tonnes of non-hazardous waste to flatten the ground for the solar panels, resulting in an estimated 193 two-way lorry trips every day, equivalent to 20 two-way journeys per hour.
Cllr Neil said: "There's huge concern in the local community. We're talking five years of disruption on local roads, and pollution due to 1.3 million tonnes of infill."
A Tata Chemicals Europe spokesperson said: "We do understand the public concern surrounding wider traffic issues in the area, but we'd like to reassure them the traffic increase during construction of the scheme equates to less than five per cent of the traffic currently on the local road network, which is why the Cheshire West and Chester Council planning officers recommended the scheme for approval.
"We are obviously aware some people have raised concerns about the scheme and wish to see the appeal turned down but we've had on the whole a very positive response from the local community so far and we've already had a number of volunteers to take part in the Local Liaison Committee which will play an active role from the outset and for the duration of the construction works."
The hearing is scheduled for 1 July at Wyvern House in Winsford. The Planning Inspectorate reference is APP/A0665/W/25/3359308.
